corinne from branchburg, nj

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 of 195

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Campus Safety

it looks pretty safe, but it is in a city.

Greek Life

i don't understand what sororities and fraternities do.

Clubs and Activities

there are a lot and they look good.

Great for these types of students

people who like cities or who are adventurous, and are hard working.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

i think there is a dragon statue because that's the mascot.

Bang for the buck

nope. way too expensive.

What to do for fun

well, it's a city. there are tons of music shows around the city. there are tons of clubs on campus.

Food and Dining

the food was pretty great for a college cafeteria.

Dorm Life

well it appears to be decent. the college learning communities look useful as well.

Academic Rigor

i have heard that the programs are rather intense. the school also runs on a quarter system with ten week courses.

Tips for prospective students

visit the campus and ask tons of thoughtful questions.

In three sentences

this school appears to be the best school that i visited in my college search. the programs, facilities, food and services were all awesome. the downside is the exorbitant cost which makes attending this school unattainable for many.

Kevin from Sewell, NJ

12/14/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
5 of 195

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

There has never been a time where I have felt unsafe on this campus, day or night, even when walking home from the library alone at night, although this is not advised. There are a great number of Drexel Campus Safety Patrol around campus at all times, and they will even be a walking service so that you are not stuck walking around at night alone.

Clubs and Activities

With over 300 clubs on campus, you are bound to find one that is right for you, and if not, it is very easy to make your own! I recommend for all to take part in your professional society, as well as another club to take you away from your studies even if it is only once every other week.

What to do for fun

Go into the heart of Philadelphia, everything is a subway ride away, and the subway tokens are cheap! You can go from Penn's Landing to Independence Hall, and even visit your friends at Temple, Penn, and St. Joe's.

Food and Dining

The campus dining halls are not all that great. The best place for first years is NorthSide Dining Terrace, which has Chick-Fil-A, Subway, and Currito, however, it uses dining dollars. Once you are no longer bound to the meal plan that Drexel forces first years to take, there are a great number of delicious places to grab a quick bite or a full meal, you are in Philly after all!

Dorm Life

There is a great selection for the dormitories for your first year, and you must live in campus affiliated housing during your second year, with a great number of selections whether you would like to live all year (during co-op cycle) or only half of the year when you are in class. Dorms have a great sense of community and are all very welcoming.

Academic Rigor

As mentioned in the Tips section, the 10 week quarter term is an extremely quick time to learn and be tested for an entire course, but it is manageable, and you will get used to it after your first term, I promise.

Tips for prospective students

Be ready to work hard, the quarter system that Drexel runs on is only 10 weeks compared to other schools' 15-17 week semesters. Also, make sure to take some time off to relax and explore, the city is your campus!

In three sentences

This is a great school, pride in students who choose to Be Different with hard work ethics. The co-op program within the school is outstanding and will give on the job experience throughout the years of schooling, preparing for jobs better than any other college or university. The location, the city of Philadelphia, is one of the best cities in the United States, just a subway ride away from historic Old Philadelphia and more modern Love Park this is a great city in which to get a college education.

Xavier from Littlestown, PA

The gym at Drexel is rated number 1 in Philadelphia, and there are various outdoor facilities as well.

Food and Dining

Urban Eatery is a dining option for sit down, restaurant style meals, while the Hanschumacher dining center is more similar to a cafeteria.

Dorm Life

The dorms provide a healthy living experience. They are close to classes, and well kept.

Academic Rigor

Drexel is a college known for its STEM education.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel is in an incredibly urbanized area, so be prepared for city life!

In three sentences

Drexel is an incredible school because of its focus on experiential learning. Students here have a huge advantage over their peers if they take advantage of the co-ops. Some can graduate with up to a year and a half of major-related job experience.

Alyssa from Bensalem, PA

12/02/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 of 195

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Campus Safety

Drexel University security partners with the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Police Force so there are always more than enough security officers around campus. The university police office is located next to the dorms. There are call boxes scattered throughout campus that you can use to call security if you would like an escort.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 300 organizations on campus to suit a wide variety of interests.

Great for these types of students

A Drexel student should be hard-working, charismatic, ambitious, open-minded, realistic, and innovative.

What to do for fun

At Drexel the city of Philadelphia is your proverbial oyster. You should visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, The Constitution Center, The Liberty Bell, PennÃ¢Â?Â?s Landing, Independence Hall, City Hall, South Street, Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown, a Philly sports team game, LOVE Park, Old City, Betsy Ross House, Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site, and so much more. On campus there are activities such as movie night, rock-climbing, and various events/trips sponsored by different clubs and organizations.

Food and Dining

The Handschumacher Dining Hall only has good food during orientation, student tours, and student visits; otherwise the food is average or gross. The North Dining Hall, which is attached to a dorm, provides a better variety of options. There are plenty of restaurants around campus and in Center City that will suit all of your taste buds.

Dorm Life

There are a variety of options for housing such as dorms, Greek housing, on-campus apartments, off-campus apartments, and commuting. RAÃ¢Â?Â?s are strict, but dorm life is fun.

Academic Rigor

Drexel runs on an intense ten week quarter system that requires a majority of students to attend school all year long. The quarter system is not for the faint of heart. Midterms typically start any time after week 2. Coursework intensity varies by major, professor, and class.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the school, explore the Philadelphia area, study abroad, apply for outside scholarships, look into all scholarship options, keep on top of financial aid, join clubs related to your major, join a few clubs that you are passionate about, be social, make friends, network.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a competitive division I university that strives to ensure the success of each of its students. Drexel provides opportunities for the professional, academic, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth of its students. Drexel prepares you for the real world.

Brandon from Philadelphia, PA

Campus safety is really well organized at Drexel. Even at night, you can request for public safety to accompany you to your dorm.

Clubs and Activities

Over 300 student-run clubs and activities placed at Drexel. There's a ton of stuff to choose from.

What to do for fun

There is a lot to do at Drexel and in Philadelphia in general. From sight-seeing, to touring museums and art galleries, to even shopping at large shopping malls and shopping centers. It's not likely that you can get bored at Drexel. Even then, it's highly unlikely to be bored at Drexel since its academic rigor is so fast paced.

Food and Dining

Some students complain about the food at Drexel, while others say that the food and dining is fantastic. Again, just like dorms, the food and dining depend on the individuals taste and preference. There is a large variety of foods to choose from on campus. Even so, once in a while students decide to explore University City, Philadelphia and they go out to eat at restaurants around the area.

Dorm Life

Dorm life depends on the individuals preference as well as what hall the individual decides to stay at. There are benefits and disadvantages to dorm life at any university. At Drexel specifically, I have not heard any complaints so far regarding dorms. Seems like everyone who dorms enjoys dorming, besides the high cost of dorming that is.

Academic Rigor

Drexel's academic standards will really prepare you for the real world, that is if you survive the fast pace at the school.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel is very fast paced because of its quarter system. So once you start at Drexel, you're basically racing the due dates for assignments and preparing for midterms once you start the term.

In three sentences

I was told by a former dean at Drexel, that if we came to Drexel for college, then we were in the wrong place. However, if we came to work, then Drexel is the right place for you. This private institution is very well-known for its co-op experience and the partnerships it has with several corporations and organizations that it ensures that the students graduating from Drexel, will graduate already knowing that they have a full-time job waiting for them.

Anonymous

07/12/2015

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
10 of 195

Categories

Comments

Dorm Life

When it comes to dorms, there are options. Options are always good in my opinion. You can live in a traditional dorm and have the traditional dorm experience. With that, there is a communal bathroom and all that. There are also suite dorms, for a more private experience. In suites, the rooms are set up more like apartments with a private bathroom shared between 4 students. In-between those two styles are the hybrid dorms. The hybrid dorms are like the name implies, a combo of the suite and traditional. In the hybrid, bathrooms are more private but are still very communal.

In three sentences

What makes Drexel so interesting is it's co-op program. I think a college setting you up with internships in the field that interests you is an extremely valuable opportunity that few colleges can match. It aids in building a resume and seeing if a career choice is the right for you.

Eliza

There are campus safety officers everywhere at any time of the day. There was no time I felt unsafe.

Greek Life

I was never part of Greek Life, and I don't think I ever will be, but you can still be involved in the activities they host so you won't even feel a difference. Basically, you don't even have to be involved in greek life to be active in it.

Clubs and Activities

There are SOOO many clubs and activities you can involve yourself in. I am personally biased over the Filipino Intercultural Society of Drexel University because through this club, I have found a second home and a family.

Great for these types of students

There's everything and anything on Drexel's campus, you just have to look!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

An unusual location on campus is the commuter lounge in the Creese Student Center, you'll always find the most interesting people there.

Bang for the buck

For all the money Drexel's tuition is, it's definitely worth it because the buildings are always kept so nice, the professors really know what they're talking about, and the quality of education is something you won't find anywhere else.

What to do for fun

You can explore University City, Center City, all on foot if you wanted to! There are major museums all around, beautiful scenery, and so many places to go.

Food and Dining

There are so many options on campus. If you want something cheap, but don't want food from the dining hall, there are food trucks everywhere that are totally affordable.

Dorm Life

I commuted my freshmen year, and I didn't really get to experience the dorm life aside from visiting my friends' or sleeping over, but it was always a unique experience.

Academic Rigor

Drexel's academic rigor is definitely tough, challenging, and fast. It'll be hard to manage at first, but you'll get into the swing of things with dedication and time.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to breath a little and have fun. Though you feel like you'll need to work and study for ten weeks straight, allow yourself time to just relax. Don't be afraid to just hop on the shuttle and explore center city for a few minutes.

In three sentences

Drexel gives you so many experiences. Drexel gives you a chance to meet so many people. Drexel gives you a helping hand when you need it.

Tommy from Philadelphia, PA

06/10/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
12 of 195

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Campus Safety

It is Philadelphia after all, so you do need to know where to go and where not to go when you walk around. Some places are just frankly not as safe as others. Drexel's campus is located in West Philadelphia just north of the University of Pennsylvania and northeast of the University of the Sciences. West Philadelphia always has that bad reputation, but Drexel and UPenn are about as far east as West Philadelphia extends in the area known as University City which is actually quite safe, pretty nice, and noticeably expensive in terms of property value. Public Safety employees are constantly riding around campus (from both schools), so there's rarely anything to worry about on or around campus. If a disturbance pops up, Drexel sends informative text messages to all students letting them know where and what.

Greek Life

Again, I'm not a participant in Greek Life, so I can't say much about it. It's not really my thing, but I'd it's pretty moderate around campus. You see the occasional sorority or fraternity around campus doing some kind of charity event like pie-ing people in the face or dunk tanks or water balloons. There's about a block's worth of houses around one street corner, but nothing too crazy, I guess.

Clubs and Activities

I'm giving this three stars because I want to remain neutral on this category. I'm not really a part of any clubs or activities on campus, but I do know we have a large variety! I've heard of (and seen) a lightsaber/jedi club, a quidditch club, various cultural clubs. If you can't find one and you want one, I also noticed that it's particularly simple to establish a new one.

Great for these types of students

I say this as affectionately as possible: it is best for nerdy/geeky students. Like I said, there's nothing wrong with that at all. Most of the people that I met here turned out to be so much nicer and friendlier to me than what I was used to in high school. I only say nerdy/geeky because people here aren't afraid to talk about and show what they're interests are. In other words, everyone will feel acceptance here somehow.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I guess the only one I can really think of off the top of my head is Ross Commons. This is an old, medieval-looking building at the north side of campus near the dorms that was converted partly into a restaurant downstairs (the absolutely amazing Sabrina's Cafe and Spencer Eta Burger). The upper floors are used for just about whatever you want. The second floor has a pool table and maybe some other games I never noticed. The second and third floors have couches and chairs that make the whole area look like a whole floor of living rooms. Club meetings are commonly held in here too. It's just a pretty relaxing place to hang out or do homework (much quieter than the library).

Bang for the buck

Since I'm still in school, I can't particularly vouch for the bang part yet, but my prospects of landing a great, well-paying job are looking extremely good. There's no doubt about that part if you come to Drexel. No one can deny the high cost of attending this school though. It is a considerably expensive endeavor. This will be repetitive but: try your very best to get as many scholarships as possible. If anything at all, the exceedingly high costs of attendance may do for you what it did for me: forced me to learn how to handle my finances much better than the average college student.

What to do for fun

Not only does Drexel plan numerous events including city tours, free movie screenings on-campus (indoors and outdoors), and stage shows, but the entire City of Philadelphia is open to your enjoyment. If you can't find something to do for fun, you're not trying. Campus is about a block away from 30th St Station which can take you to just about anywhere in the tristate area. Besides that, the Schuylkill River Trail is directly nearby which is perfect for jogging and bike-riding alongside nature in such a seemingly urban setting. Philadelphia is the city of neighborhoods with each one having its own personality. Just find one you like and explore it (or make it a goal to explore them all!). I recommend uwishunu.com for event planning. The dozens of festivals featured year round will definitely be mentioned on this blog for Philly fun, so no excuses if you can't find something to do!

Food and Dining

In freshmen year, students are required to purchase a University Dining Plan. One of them gives you a fixed amount of Dining Dollars on your Dragoncard along with a certain number of weekly visits to the Hans (the main cafeteria/dining area). A different plan gives you unlimited visits to the Hans and a little less money in Dining Dollars. Both plans cost the same price. The Hans is well...a necessary evil when it comes to eating in freshmen year. It's not TERRIBLE, but it's not that great either. That probably won't stop you from coming everyday though. It just depends on what you get, but hey, unlimited ice cream and coffee! Other dining options are more fast food-like, but still good: Chick-fil-a, Currito (burritos and smoothies), Subway. There are a few other options you can look into too! All in all, not that bad, and it's only required for the first year.

Dorm Life

I lived in Millennium Hall which is described as the Honors College dorm. While this is true, this just means that Honors College students have first priority if they want this building. Many non-Honors students live here too! Sidenote: please don't feel discouraged or anything if you are not accepted into the Honors College (and don't be pretentious if you are!) You make your own success. Anyway, I loved living in Millennium. The floor of guys I lived with made my first college experience so welcoming and less stressful. They pretty much became my family. The rooms are pretty small in Millennium, and I didn't prefer my roommate, but like I said, I wouldn't have traded that floor for the world. My girlfriend didn't prefer her floormates in Myers Hall (which has much bigger rooms, especially on the third floor), but that's the luck of the draw just like with everything else!

Academic Rigor

I give this four stars mainly because of the fast-paced setting I keep mentioning. I'm in Environmental Engineering, and I personally don't believe that the courses are extremely difficult or anything (of course, it depends on your major, the professor, the material, etc.). Having six to seven courses at a time over ten weeks though (if you choose fully packed terms like I usually do) can be quite a lot to juggle, but honestly, you get used to it! Also, if you're in a class you absolutely hate (which can happen just about anywhere!), those ten weeks will be over before you know it! Oh yea, be prepared for Week 3 midterms!

Tips for prospective students

Explore the city as much as possible. There's so much to do here; you just need to be open to it. Unlike other colleges, all of Philadelphia is your campus. I would highly recommend the Co-op experiences (three six-month internship-like job experiences across five years). Be prepared to move in a very fast-paced setting because here at Drexel, we do ten-week long quarters instead of the more typical and longer semesters. They're quarters and not trimesters here because unless you're in freshmen or senior year (and assuming you're doing the five-year program), you will be busy year-round whether it's ten-week course terms or six months of Co-op. It might sound rough at first, but the Dragons here wear this load as a source of pride. Don't be afraid to push your limits!

In three sentences

Drexel is the best example of a fast-paced, challenging but not-too-challenging, and down-to-earth school that I could imagine. Set in the truly urban environment of Philadelphia, the entire city is your campus. Although it can take up to five years, leaving here will leave you with lots of career experience, a thorough and diverse course set, and real satisfaction.

Wilder from Newtown, CT

03/13/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
13 of 195

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Comments

Campus Safety

Philadelphia can be dangerous at times. Though the campus offers a ton of security it's when you leave the campus which is inevitable at times that you will encounter problems. As long as you have some street smarts though and are conscious of your surroundings you'll be fine. There are a lot of homeless people so be prepared for that but don't worry just be confident and know what you're doing.

Bang for the buck

Drexel can be extremely expensive for some while others pay less. I find that what you're paying for you can get back in full if you really really take advantage of everything. The co-op program is the biggest draw which will really help set up a student for after college when they have some experience on their resume while other students may be behind.

What to do for fun

Obviously one big draw for a city school is the opportunity for fun. There are tons upon tons of things you can do for fun in the city of brotherly love (Philadelphia). Anything you wanna find you probably can. From day trips to the Art Museum to Night time hookah bars with your friends. If you're feeling really adventurous the Megabus runs to New York city for around $5-$10 ticket. The options are endless so this should be your last concern. And for all of you looking for some classic college fun there's plenty of fraternity gatherings along with other events happening at UPENN right next door.

Food and Dining

I think no matter where you go students will complain the food isn't good. Who can blame them everyone misses home cooked meals. Nonetheless the food is pretty good. They offer plenty of healthy foods and if you time your visit well it won't be so crowded. Not only that but there is plenty of change from day to day so you have the option to have pizza everyday if you really wanted but at the specials station there will always be something new.

Dorm Life

The dorms are fairly close to where all the classes will be held though they could be closer to the dining hall. There are plenty of dorms and each one is at the least decent for living in. The more expensive ones have suites which are very nice for living in but it all depends on what you're willing to spend. While living in the dorms you will have a shower, and the room will be furnished with everything you need to start your education. The residences are cleaned once a day and are kept up pretty nice but that really depends on the students living with you.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the program the difficulty of classes can vary greatly. While some schools require strict class requirements which can be very strenuous other schools are more loose. This is especially true with the creative programs which allow for students to branch out. Though this may sound like a negative thing it's actually very important creatively for those types who want to get a little bit of everything on the side of their core classes

Tips for prospective students

I would suggest getting involved early on. This will be important when building your resume for co-op jobs. Drexel can be a fairly expensive school so it's important to take advantage of the scholarships and grants they offer. Another thing it that while nightlife is fun and exciting just be careful. People make Drexel out to be more dangerous then it really is nonetheless it's important to remember a city environment is very different from a small town.

In three sentences

Drexel University offers the job and social opportunities of any urban campus while also maintaining the appeal of a small college by having various programs which give you one on one attention. Drexel also enhances your learning by really bridging the gap between earning a degree and getting a job through their world class co-op program.

Kathrine from Willingboro, NJ

03/11/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
14 of 195

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

There are security guards constantly roaming the campus throughout the day. In order to get into certain buildings you are required to scan your ID. The campus is also fitted with emergency phones, and cameras. In the event of an emergency you can press an emergency button and all police in the area will be notified. There is Drexel Alert that notifies all students when events happen, everything from weather delays, robberies, traffic jams, and car accidents.

Greek Life

Drexel offers a few different fraternities, and sororities. I am not personally involved in one.

Clubs and Activities

Drexel has 100+ clubs and they are always willing to help you make one that fits your interests. Drexel offers everything from fraternities, and Future Business Leaders to comic book club. From the first day of class you are encouraged to get involved in activities at the school. There is an open gym, library, soccer field and much more.

Great for these types of students

Great for students who are up for a challenge. Individuals who work hard and are willing to make sacrifices for their success.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

You are required to take a picture with the Drexel Dragon statue in order to graduate. There is also lots and lots of food trucks.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is expensive, like the majority of schools. They provide a plethora of activities, benefits and a quality education. The opportunities of a Drexel education are limitless. They also offer the opportunity for job experience.

What to do for fun

I like to work out I spend a lot of time in Drexels well equipped gym. There are a variety of activities and intramural sports at Drexel University. Drexel Center City campus is in the middle of Philadelphia. You can explore the historical epicenter of the Philadelphia everything from the liberty bell to the building that the constitution was written and signed in.

Food and Dining

The Drexel campus has a lot of different dining areas. The meal plan is fair and taste good. From the dining hall to the variety of food trucks.

Dorm Life

I am a commuter. I do not stay in a dorm. I know from visiting that dorms are small like at any other college. They have round the clock security. They have both wifi and the option of a hard wire connection. The dorms share kitchens and bathrooms. Drexel offers both coed dorms and dorms based on major.

Academic Rigor

10 week quarters are hard to manage. There is a lot of material in a short time frame. However, the staff provide you all the information you need to succeed. If you apply yourself.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel has academic quarters are short. Use your time wisely. Get a calendar fill it with all your due dates. Come to class prepared with homework done and questions on hand. Do NOT be afraid to ask questions.

In three sentences

Drexel offers a plethora of classes and programs. Campus is clean and stacked to the brim with state of the art tools to assist in your education. The teachers are very knowledgeable, well educated and invested in your success.

Do yourself a favor and DO NOT go to the Hans - a.k.a. Handschumacher - for food. It's edible but it's not very good and you'll realize that a few hours after consumption. It's not worth it. However, there are a lot of other places on campus with much better food. There's a vegan/vegetarian place called Vegetate. Also, a really good burger place called Shake Shack. Northside has a mini market, Subway, Currito, and Chick-fil-A.

Dorm Life

I suggest you try and visit campus before choosing your dorm. We have traditional and suite style dorms at Drexel. The older dorms do need to be upgraded when it comes to the air and heat systems. An upgrade in room furniture wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Academic Rigor

Some classes are easier than others but overall it's manageable.

Tips for prospective students

Visit campus before you decide to attend Drexel. It's not for everyone. If you visit and you feel like you belong, you should definitely commit. If you really want to go to Drexel, don't miss out on all the opportunities Drexel has to offer. Don't be scared to leave home. Philadelphia is a beautiful place to be.

Jonathan from Philadelphia, PA

12/30/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
16 of 195

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Emergency buttons in case of mugging or whatever are peppered throughout the campus. The campus police do their job well and send out reports via text messages to students about any potential danger and suspects in the area, which tends to be rare.

What to do for fun

Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the U.S. There's going to be something to do with your friends if you're fine with walking a bit or taking the campus bus or paying for the subway.

Food and Dining

The meal plans are adequate. They include meal swipes, which are redeemed for a buffet at the dining center, and dining dollars, which can be spent at the campus market. Students can pick whether they want more of one or the other or neither. The dining center's food can be bland at times, but there are plenty of choices with about half of them cycling through every day. The campus market acts like a mini convenience store with Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Currito. The variety is slightly disappointing, but it's very close to the dorms which makes it good enough for the convenience. Outside of the meal plans, there are plenty of good restaurants and food trucks around the area and throughout Philadelphia. Whether you want good burgers, pizza, cheesesteaks, deli, Chinese, Halal, or fish tacos, there's something out there for you if you're fine with opening up your wallet.

Dorm Life

There are about seven or eight different dorms to choose from. Some are classic two-to-a-room kind of dorms, while others might have three or four in a suite-style room. Each has their own flavor, and there are enough dorms to give students a real choice in how much privacy or social interaction they want. The only notable downside in all of the dorms is that they are all a slightly long walk to the dining center (ten to twelve minutes), but they are very close to the campus market with some other food choices relatively close by as well.

Academic Rigor

Drexel runs on a quarterly semester system. During freshman and senior years, it's effectively a trisemester system since the summer term is just a long break, but if you choose to do a co-op, sophomores and juniors work through summer with either more courses or their co-op work. The quick pace of the school also makes the courses faster and denser than some other colleges. It's not uncommon to see all of your project deadlines and exams on the same day or week.

Tips for prospective students

Don't slack off after the first week or so. The work picks up pace fast with midterms taking place as quick as the fourth or fifth week. Make connections with your professors and go to some of your major's meet-and-greets. There are a lot of different courses to choose from, so it's nice to get to see which professors you like and what courses might be useful or interesting to you.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a great school for anyone looking to earn a head start in real world experience and building connections for a career. The co-op plans provide the perfect opportunity to learn the ins-and-outs of what's in store after college and is also good for anyone who isn't sure of what they want to be and wants to test out some work both in and out of the country. The work is hard and fast, but it pays--mostly literally.

Sidia from Reading, PA

12/25/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

17 of 195

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What to do for fun

Drexel has plenty of activities. The rec center has a multi-purpose basketball court, indoor track, weight training and fitness areas on two floors, and multiple squash courts. Attending sports games is always fun. Joining greek life is the best bet for going to the best parties at Drexel. Overall Drexel is great because it is in Philadelphia, which is a city full of attractions such as restaurants, museums, places to shop etc.

Food and Dining

The main cafeteria at Drexel is okay, they sometimes serve exceptional meals and have plenty of selections of food and some days they do not. The Northside Dining Cafe, which includes Chi-Fil-A, Subway, Currito, and a mini-mart is very convenient because it is really close to the residence halls .

Dorm Life

The dorms at Drexel are great depending on where you decide to live. The rooms have plenty of space and all residence halls have study rooms and game rooms.

Academic Rigor

Drexel teaches students not only to be great students in the classroom but in the work world as well. Drexel prepares and trains students to be ready for life after college by giving a co-op experience where students get real job experience while in school.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to learn a lot in a very short time period because Drexel runs on quarters instead of semesters.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a highly accredited college and is a great learning institution. Drexel cares a lot about academics but also cares a lot about student life and all the other aspects of being in college. Attending Drexel is one of my greatest life investments that will have a rewarding outcome.

Love Drexel

Be prepared to live in a big city. I fyou come from a small area, be caution about Drexel. There is no farm, and there are so many people. If thats not something you can deal with, re think.

What to do for fun

It Philly!! So much history, and art to enjoy. The parks the river, the crew races!!! Loving everything!!

Food and Dining

Dining hall has a large selection, but there are also amazing food places all around.

Dorm Life

I was lucky and found a great room mate. we have alot in common, so hanging in the room or in the building, everyone has been great!

Academic Rigor

Academics are intense, but you learn alot. you need to be on top of your work, or you will get behind.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to work. Classes are fast paced and there is alot to learn in a short amount of time!

In three sentences

Greatest place ofor living and learning. Drexel is definelty a great college environment, but step outside your dorm and you are in Pheldelphia. So many great opporuntites at Drexel, and being in Philly, is just a bonus!!

Taylor from Trainer, PA

10/29/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

20 of 195

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Campus Safety

Drexel alerts students every time there is an incident or a suspected dangerous situation. There are also plenty of campus police around at night to make you feel comfortable. Also there are red buttons scattered around campus that you can press and campus police will come to your location.

Greek Life

I didn't join a sorority but I regret it 100%. Definitely become part of greek life!

Clubs and Activities

There are countless clubs and activities for every type of person or interest.

What to do for fun

Attend sporting events, its a great way to meet people and you will end up liking sports you've never liked before. Explore what Philly has to offer. There is so much to do in the area you just have to get out there and explore.

Food and Dining

The dining hall has great food. Also, there are many places in the area that accept dragon dollars which comes with a meal plan. So everything is very convenient and there is something there for everyone.

Dorm Life

While I lived in a dorm at Drexel I did not have a roomate. Life without a roomate gets lonely quick! Besides that, the arrangements of my dorm was great. Boys on one side of the floor and girls on the other. This was we weren't too separate but weren't too close either. The RAs in my dorm were also great!

Academic Rigor

Drexel is very academically challenging. They have trimesters so the courses you take will only be ten weeks long. This means that the information you need to know is jam packed. The academics at Drexel will definitely lead you to success if you stay focused.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you have a roomate. If you end up without one, request one. Make the most out of the people that you meet there. Be part of the Drexel community as much as possible.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a very well known and highly competitive university. The campus and its buildings are beautiful. The people you will meet there are great.

Jada from Upper Darby, PA

10/17/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
21 of 195

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Campus Safety

Security cars and people on foot are always around and I've never been afraid for my safety. North side of campus may be on the edge of a bad neighborhood, but many bad things don't happen as long as you do things the safe way.

Greek Life

Greek life is very active here, and we're also known for being anti-hazing. Recruitment and Rush week are in the 2nd and 3rd weeks of Fall quarter, and every sorority and fraternity has their own social group and activities that they hold throughout the year.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs that no one could ever be a part of them all. Even if there isn't a club that you want to join, you can make your own. There are over 300 clubs here!

Great for these types of students

Research, goal-driven. People who already have a career goal in mind.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Everyone rubs the water boy's toe in Main Building during midterms and finals week. The 4 D chant is also chanted at every sporting event.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is mostly known for the co-op experience, and most colleges don't offer up to 18 months of professional experience by graduation. The price may be steep and continuously rising, but the opportunities for research and professional development is unbeatable.

What to do for fun

I'm not much of a party-goer, but I know that they exist. Clubs are abundant here, and there's always some kind of activity or social going on every day and every weekend. There's never a dull moment, and if you get tired of campus, you can hop on public transportation or on one of the Drexel shuttles to go downtown to center city to shop or go to the movies.

Food and Dining

The official campus dining hall, nicknamed The Hans, is not the best food in the world, but it will do in a pinch. Mostly freshman eat there because of the mandatory meal plan, but a lot of people just go to food trucks and cook at their apartments once they get to sophomore year and up. The food trucks are great, and Penn's campus has a lot of other food options that aren't available directly on campus.

Dorm Life

I personally don't dorm because of financial reasons, but many of my friends dorm and they love it. Most people get along with everyone on their floor and there are hardly ever any roommate issues. Laundry is free and there are many different dorming options to choose from, varying from a traditional dorm setting to a suite setting. Air conditioning is in most of the dorms.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the class you take, it may be harder or easier than you expected it to be. Drexel allows you to test out of certain classes and get you to classes that are on par with your ability. Honestly, you can take the desperately easy classes for a GPA boost, but Drexel prides in their students taking at least 15 credit hours a quarter with a maximum of 20 credit hours per quarter. Professors are generally very knowledgeable and are accomplished in their fields. Coursework is typical as any research university but the quarter system makes things slightly harder.

Tips for prospective students

Have an idea of what you want to do in after you graduate college. Also start getting accustomed to working quickly and studying on your own because Drexel is on a quarter system so 10 weeks go by very quickly with midterms starting as early as week 4. Finally, be passionate about going to school and research into your potential major before making a decision.

In three sentences

Drexel is a very career-focused school where most students already have an idea of what field they want to be in after graduation. Professors truly care about students and it is up to the students in what they make their college experience. Drexel is also a technology-driven school, so Wi-fi and computers are always available at all points of campus.

Cindi from Sugarloaf, PA

EXPLORE! You're right in the heart of Philly's cultural life! Go for a walk and see what's happening.

Food and Dining

Many restaurants around town advertise that they take Dragon Dollars. They do, but you have to pay the school extra money in order to get them; it's easier just to use cash at the restaurants. The Dining Center is currently lacking in variety, and tends to offer not so healthy options. Northside Dining Terrace is wonderful and conveniently close to the dorms, but tends to be expensive.

Dorm Life

The dorms aren't exactly in the best of shape, but they are livable. That can be overlooked as long as you have good room mates that look after the clutter of the room.

Academic Rigor

This goes back to the 10 week quarters. As an art student, I turn in a project for my classes every week, not including the final projects which are much more involved. There is a lot to do in a little amount of time, but it has always been manageable for me.

Tips for prospective students

A Drexel education is expensive; make sure you think it's worth it before you decide to attend. Drexel is also a fast paced environment. One quarter is only ten weeks, which fly by. If you can't work quickly and efficiently, Drexel is not a good place for you.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a school that I feel, is focused on preparing me for my career. I am taking classes that directly relate to my field. I am interacting with professors and other faculty that can and do help me.

Jocelynn from Quarryville, PA

07/08/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

23 of 195

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What to do for fun

Explore the city! Go to The Academy which is a Drexel owned museum for free. Check out different free events that are always happening in the city. South Street is a great place to go for shopping and food. Center City has so many options from live music to art museums and great world-class restaurants.

Food and Dining

On campus dining options have been improving over the past few years and the dining hall renovation that was just completed looks great. There are also a lot of non-dining hall restaurants that you can eat at with your meal plan. There is a nice variety of off-campus dining options that are very close to campus and pretty student friendly and affordable.

Dorm Life

Most of the dorms are very nice to live in, especially the suite style dorm options. They are also all very close together which makes hanging out with friends easy. The dorm buildings are also located close to campus and a variety of dining and transportation options.

Academic Rigor

Classes are always interesting, challenging, and applicable to the student's major and interests. The professors are knowledgeable and care very much about the success of their students. Help is always received if asked for.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus and talk to as many current students/faculty/staff that work with your prospective major as possible. Make sure that you are comfortable with the academic, 10-Week, quarter system before committing to Drexel. Explore Philadelphia and the campus area to make sure that it is a good fit for you.

In three sentences

A university full of potential opportunities. It is a great learning environment for students within a variety of majors. The administration is sometimes disorganized and frustrating.

I think they charge too much for what they offer... I have been to other schools, and $813 per unit is too high.

What to do for fun

I think if you have access to the campus and you can find and talk to professors you are miles ahead.

Food and Dining

Not appllicable.

Dorm Life

Not appllicable.

Academic Rigor

They work you on a rigorous pace. It sometimes is too much as though they have something to prove. the material I comprehended and could deal with, but the other issues were way over my head.

Tips for prospective students

I was really disappointed with Drexel's on-line program. there is a very indifferent attitude with some of the staff and professors. If you dont understand, it is your problem, and when you are paying something like $ 800 per unit, I think professors should be able to teach or at least try to understand the problems that you are having. The overall class structure is good, but the tech support was so very unsubstancial and I could not follow along. I did not understnad what they were doing, and there was no one to really talk to. That was even worse, I just had to order a transcript, and my friend stuggled to understand how to even do that. It took us a couple of hours to do something that should have taken 15 minutes. Some professors were really cool and understood the program and problems, so they were accommodating the problems, but for some, they graded you down because you did not understand and leaving you in the dark. I think there are schools out there that are far better... and do offer assistance. Who ever heard of a school tech department operating only 9-5 Monday through Friday, and you do homework on a weekend, or late at night and there is no one to talk to. This is NOT acceptable. Before you enroll for this program, make sure you understand the tech programs and how they work. Ask a lot of questions! There is no sense in spending all this money and not getting what you need out of the program. Ask a lot of questions. Many did not have issues, and maybe it was my ability to understand the technology wihich the administration knew I did not understand. A school who can not offer assistance when you ask for it, has some issues.

In three sentences

I had had high hopes for Drexel. I was really disappointed. I think the classes are well put togethe, and I learned a lot in the classes, but the tech issues are so over the top, and I have wasted HOURS trying to understand what is needed. Some of the professors are very indifferent. Even the teachers/professors were complaining.

Dana from Novato, CA

I always feel safe, even walking alone at night. If there aren't other students wandering around campus, there are public safety officers.

Greek Life

It's very prominent and there are many chapters to choose from. There are 6 Panhellenic chapters and 12 Inter fraternity chapters.

Clubs and Activities

I didn't find any interesting organizations to join. There are only typical ones, like Indian and Asian clubs, and there are only 3 acapella groups: a co-Ed, all girls and all boys one.

Great for these types of students

It's a big engineering school, so if you're studying math or science, it's a good place to go.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are two buildings that are underneath parking lots where classes are, which is really weird. Getting lost is easy.

Bang for the buck

I don't even know what this means

What to do for fun

Restaurants week is big, so trying new restaurants is good. There are also many shopping places, like King of Prussia, Center City and South Street.

Food and Dining

There are so many different options, and there are many 4 star restaurants.

Dorm Life

My experience was mediocre and I've heard bad things from my friends too. It's overpriced and low quality. Last year there was a fire that burned half of one dorm which was ridiculous.

Academic Rigor

Because its an engineering school, academics gets really tough. It's also a quarterly based system so time goes by fast.

Tips for prospective students

Don't let the financial aid fool you. Really think about whether you can afford Drexel because they give freshmen the most financial aid and work study to draw you in, but after that first year they take most if it away. I filed a valid reason for asking for more aid, since my dad passed away and my mom was suffering from cancer and had to pay those expenses and they still didnt give me more aid. That's how selfish they are.

In three sentences

It's location is excellent, since you get a variety of food and shopping from University of Pennsylvania and Center City. However, it's extremely expensive because they're constantly under construction which is awful. It's unique because it has a co-op system that gives you real world experience.

Sophmore from Ocean, NJ

04/08/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

26 of 195

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Greek Life

Check out PHI KAPPA PSI, were always looking for great brothers.

Great for these types of students

Students interested in having fun, like to learn inside and outside the classroom, want to get involved in research, like a fast paced academic environment, want to apply what they've learned(COOP), want real world experiences, want to be involved in community service and so much more.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Anyone can be on the football team...we don't have one.

Bang for the buck

Tuition is high. Drexel gave me a generous merit scholarship. A good portion of the money I make while working my COOPs(3) will go towards my tuition. I'll be moving off campus, which should offer some cost savings. My feeling is that if things continue to go the way that they're going now, Drexel will be worth every penny we paid.

What to do for fun

Hang with friends, workout, indoor rock climbing, squash(I learned to play as a freshman), Fraternity events, community service with Fraternity brothers, liaison to SAFAC (the campus organization that distributes student activity fees), go downtown, Flyer hockey games and alot more.

Food and Dining

Not the greatest but there are plenty of alternatives. The 2 dorms I've lived in have more than adequate kitchens which are available on every floor. Food trucks, cheap and excellent.

Dorm Life

I've made some great friends at the dorm. Everyone needs a place to live, they meet my standards and most are open all year round, even holidays and school breaks. Laundry facilities are on site and free. The 2 dorms I've lived in have full kitchens on every floor.

Academic Rigor

The quarter system moves fast. I spent alot of time learning how to manage my time.

Tips for prospective students

If you're up for the challenge, the opportunities are here at Drexel. If your interested in research, check out the STAR program for incoming freshmen. It's a paid summer internship with housing. For anyone considering attending Drexel, I would contact the department you would be considering for your major. I set up an appointment with the Electrical Engineering department when I went on the campus tour. I met with a professor and an adviser, they were great. They explained how the program worked, spoke about Drexel in general and answered all the questions my parents and I had . They gave us contact information that we used later for followup questions via email and telephone. Checkout the COOP program,COOP is what makes Drexel different. Freshman year started in 9/2012, all freshman are required to take classes to prepare for COOP. In 12/2013 I interviewed with 4 companies, got job offers from 3 and just started(3/31/14) a 6 month full-time position with SAP Solutions (the 4th largest software company in the world). It's an unbelievable opportunity. Even more unbelievable is that I get paid (I think alot), they offered me benefits, health insurance, 401K. I'm excited to learn and contribute. The other tip is something I heard from student at every school I looked at. GET INVOLVED and do it right away... club, sports, Greek life, work study job, student government, newspaper, pep band, anything.

In three sentences

Drexel is everything I thought it would be, excellent. The COOP program is just one of the many things that make this University stand out. My experience with administration, advisers,professors, teaching assistants and all the support staff that it takes to keep Drexel running has been overwhelmingly positive, not perfect. If you believe you have potential and want to be in an environment that you can use it, take a good look at Drexel, don't just take the tour. You'll be surprised at all the people you can speak with just by asking.

BoopBoop from Philadelphia, PA

03/25/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

27 of 195

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Campus Safety

The local college campuses all have exceptional security and will provide escorts to walk you to and from buildings or trains at night. Altogether there are not ever many crimes committed on or near campus.

What to do for fun

There are hundreds of clubs and activities going on throughout the year, along with an active Greek life and intramural or club athletic teams. The school also partners with local museums and companies to offer discounts on recreational or educational visits. Being in the central location of one of the largest cities, the school is just minutes away from a plethora of bars, restaurants, concert venues, museums, shopping, volunteer opportunities, outdoor endeavors, and much more. You can't run out of things to do here, but make sure you don't wander around inebriated all weekend like this guy I know and forget to study for your midterms! WHOOPS!

Food and Dining

There are so many food and dining options on campus and throughout the surrounding areas that your stomach will probably be overwhelmed. I am pretty sure that there is not a single type of food that you cannot obtain within a mile of campus. The dining plans available allow you to purchase food at campus stores as well as off-campus restaurants.

Dorm Life

I live off campus but from what I've seen and heard, the dorm facilities and prices are not bad and rarely have any issues with safety, damage, or malfunctioning amenities. There are a =variety of dorms scattered across the campus that have a wide array of different apartment and suite style layouts. Although some areas near the campus are dangerous, many students live in the surrounding neighborhoods and are very rarely victimized or targeted by criminals. As in any city, they are just working class areas where the vast majority of residents are easily able to work or attend school daily without being involved in criminal activity.

Academic Rigor

The terms are short but the professors make courses very simple to follow and always post study materials online. You can also receive tutoring and support, and it's easy to communicate with staff if you need additional help or accommodations. There are copious areas around campus where you can study quietly and utilize whatever electronic equipment is necessary to complete your academic assignments in a timely manner. Many online studying/flashcard tools or apps can substantially improve memorization and recall of your class material, so I would highly recommend those regardless of which school you attend. I wish I had known about that earlier than a few months ago!

Tips for prospective students

A lot of people don't expect the short terms to be as difficult as they are, and aren't prepared to have only nine weeks of study per course. You should definitely make sure your study habits and time are well managed before embarking on your course of study. Although there are many coop jobs available in the system, you definitely want to perform an outside job search in addition to using the internal database in order to maximize your chance of landing a fulfilling, worthwhile position in your field.

In three sentences

This is a very dynamic and exciting school with a multitude of opportunities for social networking, career advancement, and advanced research. In addition to receiving a high quality education with tons of support from staff and advisers, there are numerous activities, events, and places on campus to build connections with people in your field of study. The location is convenient to tons of shopping, cultural, and art activities but you still won't run out of things to do and places to eat on campus.

Erica from Scarsdale, NY

02/08/2014

Reviewer is A past student here.

31 of 195

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What to do for fun

Travel around Philly!

Food and Dining

The food at the Hans Diner is not that great but it's improving.

Dorm Life

The dorm life here is alright. The community is nice, clean, and quiet. If you're the type of person who hates noises at like 12 AM, I suggest you to find a dorm where they don't party that much. Don't go to Calhood!

Academic Rigor

It all depends on the major. I personally believe that business majors have it easy. They don't really have that many classes to take and they have more free time.If you're a nursing or engineering major, the classes will definitely be hard. Drexel also has the quarter system which gives us little time to study (in my opinion). We have midterms like every other week. Be prepared to study at least 5 hours a day.

Tips for prospective students

Prepare to be independent. The transition from high school to college will be difficult because you're parents won't be there for you all the time. It's time to do things like making decisions and doing laundry by yourself. I know... this is hard.

In three sentences

Philadelphia is a very active city, and Drexel's campus matches this. The people here are outgoing and fun-loving and thrives in a fast-paced environment.The crime rate,however,is high and it's not really safe to walk outside in the night.

Adam from Pottstown, PA

Explore Philadelphia, there is so much to do but it takes some effort to get out of University City to find it.

Food and Dining

The dining facility is nothing fancy but they have decent food. There are some restaurants on campus but most of the non-university affiliated dining is found on UPenn's campus.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is very dependant on what dorm you are in, if you want to be left alone it is easy to find your own space. I highly encourage joining the major related learning communities for freshman year.

Academic Rigor

The course work at Drexel is challenging but not impossible. Once you get behind it is hard to get caught up.

Tips for prospective students

Come into drexel prepared to work really hard but be sure to get out and enjoy the city, Philadelphia is a city with a lot to offer no matter what your interests are.

In three sentences

Drexel is a school full of opportunities. The school has excellent success with their co-op program which allows students to gain real world experience before graduation. The programs are rigorous but well worth the effort.

Nicholas from New Hempstead, NY

01/20/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The main campus is located in West Philly, however I have never felt un-safe on campus even in the wee hours of the morning. Drexel has their own police force which partners with University of Pennsylvania's police force in addition to the Philadelphia police. State troopers are also not an uncommon sight on campus. You also constantly see public safety officers on foot or bike in yellow jackets patrolling not only the campus but the outlying areas.

Bang for the buck

If you are not going to do the cooperative work program here, you should probably look somewhere else. With that being said it is a great opportunity to work for a legitament company in a paid job to see if you like it or not. In the five year program(which is what almost everyone does) you get three 6 month opportunities to see what you want to do.

What to do for fun

You are in Philadelphia! Their are always things going on in the city, just a short subway ride and you in the middle of the action. There are also constantly on campus events, such as concerts, sports games, and other great activities.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria is relatively good compared to other colleges and their are plenty of other options on campus whether your worried about your budget, the quality, or the nutrition everyone is accommodated.

Dorm Life

A dorm is a dorm, don't expect anything special. However you want to be sociable as you will meet a good amount of your friends in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

Drexel is on a quarter system, so it moves very fast. A quarter is only ten weeks and you are taking midterms by the third week. Time management is crucial otherwise you can fall behind if you let the deadlines pile up.

In three sentences

Drexel University is fast paced school, definitely not a good fit for everyone. However they give you tons of opportunities to excel, including their cooperative work program which they are known for. Its location in Philadelphia provides plenty of entertainment and fun, but also a city rich in history!

Erin from Morrisville, PA

12/29/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

34 of 195

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Campus Safety

Due to this campus' close proximity to west Philadelphia, crime I enevitable and going to happen. However, there are many public Saftey officers at all time throughout campus and the surrounding neighborhood. If students stay smart and alert about their actions, they should be safe on campus.

Greek Life

Drexel has a greek life on their campus. It is an amazing way to meet people and have opportunity for volunteer and leadership roles on campus as well as off. Greek life is an enriching opportunity and I encourage everyone to try it out.

Clubs and Activities

Drexel has over 200 different clubs open to students. If there is not a club that interests you, it is very easy to start your own! There are also club sports for those who feel that they do not have enough time to dedicate to an A1 sport.

What to do for fun

There is a bustling city all around campus waiting to be explored! Students will never be bored at Drexel due to the many on/off campus activities going on day to day.

Food and Dining

The good one the dining hall is better than most schools, however you're not going to find a 5 star restaurant inside. Due to the flexibility of the meal plans, students have the option to go to other on campus eating locations apart from the dining hall.

Dorm Life

Drexel has many dorm options. Students are required to live on campus a minimum of 2 years and therefore the loving situations have to be ideal. One new building was just built for student housing and another one is on it's way!

Academic Rigor

Drexel courses are quite tough, however the rewarding information you will get out of it will greatly benefit you in the real world. The professors are willing to help you when you are in need through their office hours. Also, there is recitation class after each lecture in order for TA's to help students better understand the lecture material.

Tips for prospective students

Students need to be very enthusiastic about the major they are pursing. If one is, they will be more willing to stay on top of their school work. Time management skills are the utmost important aspect at this school due to the fast pace environment.

In three sentences

Drexel is a very enriching school aimed at helping students get the most out of their degrees and utilize these skills in the real world. The faculty are extremely insightful, while all of them have doctorate degrees and are experienced in their fields. Considering this schools location, it allows for a culture diversity and many opportunities to pursue at your fingertips.

Ellie from Philadelphia, PA

12/27/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

35 of 195

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What to do for fun

There are plenty of clubs to join at Drexel. There are also a lot of events that clubs hold so keep your eyes peeled. There is also an event page on Drexel's website so that'll help you see what's currently going on. Furthermore, you can go to the rec center and get your fitness on, so I really recommend that. The rec center has all kinds of amenities to enjoy such as group classes, and rock climbing, and squash.

Food and Dining

Dining can get quite expensive here if you are not on a meal plan. And even so, a meal plan here is more expensive than a meal plan at any other typical college, I've heard. You pay more for dining hall food that isn't phenomenal. There are plenty of food trucks at Drexel along with some nice restaurants such as Shake Shack and Landmark Americana. There's also a Taco Bell next to the library and a Subways and Chickfila near the dorms. If you want a snack or desert, there is a Starbucks, a Yogurinos, and an Insomnia Cookies food truck. There's probably more that I can't think of off the top of my head.

Dorm Life

I do not dorm here but from what I've heard from friends who do dorm here, it's pretty mediocre. It what you would expect dorm life to be. At Drexel, I believe most dorm buildings have free laundry so that's a nice perk. Dorm mates can be very loud or quiet depending on the type of dorm you apply to. The Millennium building is a building for mostly the honors college so you can expect people there to be much more quiet than other buildings. However, other than being able to choose and look for your roommate, the kind of people that are apart of your building depend really on luck.

Academic Rigor

This depends entirely on your major. But personally, as a Biology major, Drexel challenges you enough to be challenged. It's not terribly difficult but it's also not something you can bs through. So generally, it's a manageable challenging. It's best not to come here thinking that college will be cake because that usually puts you off to a bad start. As I said before, experiences in academic rigor will be different depending on your major.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you have a pretty good feel for what you want to major in. Although it isn't impossible to switch majors here, your experience will run much more smoothly if you know what you want. This generally gives you an advantage over other students who don't know what they want are just going through the motions.

In three sentences

This school is set at the heart of bustling Philadelphia which can a good or bad thing. On one hand, you may like it here if you're from a quiet suburbia and would like to experience a bustling city with pretty lights. On the other hand, this University is an open campus meaning that cars come through here very frequently (furthermore, it's probably not a good idea to bring a car here as parking is scarce and you'll have to pay for a parking spot) and things can become really expensive here such as dining.

Justin from Philadelphia, PA

12/20/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

36 of 195

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Campus Safety

Drexel has taken great steps, even from the time that I was a freshman, to securing the campus. Although inherently a difficult task, due to the population of people that a large city offers, Drexel has improved greatly. Firstly, they added these small blue stations everywhere so that at any time, on or around campus, you feel unsafe, you simply walk up to the pole, press a button and a campus security officer comes to you and escorts you home. There are usually always a handful of security officers walking home ( I live in west Philly, some 20 minute walk from campus and I still see them near my house). As well, if at anytime you simply want an escort from wherever to your house, you can call a person escort. As well, Drexel shares security with U. of Pennsylvania so there is great coverage in the surrounding area of the two universities.

Clubs and Activities

There are literally hundreds of clubs at Drexel University. From Medical trips abroad to snowboarding in the winter. Many of my friends participate in intramural sports sponsored by Drexel.

Great for these types of students

Type A personalities. Also, students who can handle an abundance of stress and still maintain a life.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is not entirely cheap, however the opportunities to develop yourself as both an academic, and as an experienced, and skilled post-undergraduate are available for one's choosing at Drexel University. The classrooms are routinely updated with new technologies; in the past two years we have raised two new buildings with state-of-the-art facilities that are staffed with faculty that have years of experience and knowledge. As well, Drexel has been, and routinely is, a constant producer of new technologies and astronauts; as such, Drexel tacks pride in offering its students the best; and although it is not entirely consistent throughout the university, overall most majors receive an equal and outstanding education.

What to do for fun

Being located in Philadelphia, Drexel students rarely find themselves without something interesting to do; wherever one's particular interests may lie. The campus hosts a plethora of clubs and activities that at any time one can sign up for and thenceforth participate therein. However, if those do not suite, Philadelphia is a playground for young-adults, and there is always a group of people with similar interests

Food and Dining

The main food court The Hans is pretty decent. The food is always fresh, made that day, and usually of good quality. At times, understandably so, the Hans gets a little busy, but overall the service is good and the food is as well. The variety and selection offered in the Hans changes daily, so there is usually always something for one's appetite. There are several other university sponsored dining establishments on campus, most notably Northside, wherein one can buy Currito's Burritos, Chik-Fil-A, or Subway. There are others dispersed throughout the campus as well, usually at least one small area for eating per building. As well, for the coffee lovers, there is a Starbucks on campus as well that is decent on the service.

Dorm Life

Dorm life at Drexel was, for me, a great experience. I met most of my friends from living in the dorm; whether directly as roommates or indirectly as friends of my resident assistant. There is always an interesting activity to do comprised group members from your floor, or at any time, you may tag along with other 'floor's or 'dorm' events. As well, the dorm life at Drexel provided a great place to meet people of similar interests with whom you could forge a great friendship- as many have.

Academic Rigor

Drexel University is a quarter-style system wherein each set of classes rotate on an average of 10 weeks a quarter. This by default places Drexel on the list of accelerated programs; we cover all, and sometimes more, than other colleges/universities do in sixteen weeks in nine, with a tenth week for testing. However, coming out of Drexel, any student who has passed through the gauntlet is well equipped for today's high-stress work environment, and as such, will find transitioning into post-college life a relief, rather than a stressor.

Tips for prospective students

If you are truly interested in your major, referring mostly to the science/engineering majors, then Drexel University will provide an accelerated, yet incredibly comprehensive learning that is unmatched at other universities. That being said, if you wish to go to a college wherein you may have more time to party than study, Drexel will not suit you. Drexel demands time and respect from its students, but the rewards for the effort are well worth it.

In three sentences

Drexel University provides a comprehensive, robust, and thorough education. The faculty, staff, and professors at Drexel U. are incredibly attached to their respective fields and as such they facilitate, and encourage critical thinking, and an air of understanding. Drexel U. provides the framework for producing academics who can withstand a incredibly rapid pace of learning, as well as students with profound experience in their field upon graduation.

Ashley from Philadelphia, PA

11/21/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

What is there not to do in the city of brotherly love. Tons of touristy things to do like tours of the city and climbing the Rocky steps at the art museum. There are also many wonderful places to eat in the city and you can try a different place every night. Not to mention there is Kelly Drive where you can bike, run or walk to get outside and stay healthy or if you need a study break.

Food and Dining

YUM YUM YUM! The food that I have tried on campus is delicious and can be very healthy if you make a conscious effort to be healthy.

Dorm Life

I never lived in the dorm but some of my friends did. It was nice because all utilities are paid for and there is security at the front desk at all times so you can always feel safe.

Academic Rigor

I am a graduate student so the amount of work is intense but it is needed to provide students with the best education and have them be the best in their field.

In three sentences

All of Drexel's 3 campuses are in great locations to get out and do things with friends, learn in the museums or experience different cultures. Every professor I have had an opportunity to meet makes it a point for their students to succeed and give their students as much experience as possible. Most programs not only offer a wonderful learning experience in the classroom but also outside the classroom by allowing students to interact with individuals in their current career choice.

William from Philadelphia, PA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

Their are many organizations and clubs!

Food and Dining

I've tried their food, and I love them! I've ate at their buffet place 5 times and has have awesome experience.

Dorm Life

I heard dorm life is great! I have yet to experience it.

Academic Rigor

I am not so sure yet.

Tips for prospective students

Keep your GPA up for co-op opportunities.

In three sentences

Drexel University have a great engineering program. I personally love their co-op program, and with the co-op program, Drexel students get to experience their career up to 18 months! Drexel University also offers accelerated programs which allows you to get your Bachelor's Degree and your Master's Degree at the same time, within 5 years or Bachelor's Degree to your Ph.D degree.

Victoria from Milford, PA

08/28/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are plenty of extra-cirricular activities to join for fun: greek life, sports, intramurals, and other fun groups. There are outdoor volleyball courts and a field to play on. In Philadelphia, there is always something going on and plenty to explore!

Food and Dining

The dining hall is buffet style and you can choose whatever you would like to eat. There are also markets where you can spend your Dining Dollars on Subway, Chic-Fil-A, or snacks.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is fantastic! The RAs really encourage all students who live on the floor to interact with one another and attend scheduled events and dinners.

Academic Rigor

Drexel is on a quarter system which means there are four ten-week terms a school year. This means that you constantly need to be on your A-game and ready for anything. You will be pushed to your limits and success will come from hard work and determination.

Tips for prospective students

I suggest looking into all possible majors that you want to pursue because when you get to Drexel you need to be ready for that specific major. Another tip is to explore all possible scholarships for financial help. Also, Drexel is a great place to meet new friends so attend all information sessions and group meetings possible to get a real feel for it!

In three sentences

It is a well-rounded, urban atmosphere that is always busy. The people and places on campus are very friendly and willing to help. The quarter system leads students to mature and handle the toughest academics possible.

Aman from Pittsburgh, PA

THE CITY IS YOUR CAMPUS!!!! Drexel has 8 division 1 teams for both genders. Drexel has over 300 clubs and organizations as well.

Food and Dining

The dining hall is not the best. There are definitely a variety of foods though. Drexel is going through a re-vamping phase right now which leaves rooms for lots of improvement in this area over the next 4 years.

The quarter system consists of four 10 week periods of classes. Semester allow for 5 more weeks of class but the quarter systems requires more studying and time management. It definitely is not impossible but slacking off is not just a 'no-no', it can be the reason you fail multiple classes in one quarter. The rigor here at Drexel in not excruciatingly unnecessary, it provides you with knowledge in your major that sticks. Since the co-op system is the reason many students attend, the classes have to prepare you for your eventual employment in your field.

Tips for prospective students

Have an idea of which career you would like to pursue. Time can be easily wasted if you don't know where you want to be. Take advantage of the opportunities that Drexel opens around the city (cultural passport). Prepare yourself for fast-paced classes. Drexel runs on a quarter system and not semesters. Come organized and stay organizes. Plan your work and work your plan!!

In three sentences

Drexel is an exciting oasis of sciences in the city. Drexel is diverse and sits perfectly in America's historical city of Philadelphia. Drexel is the 'real world' our parents talk about since we enter the workforce while attending.

Alexis from Audubon, PA

08/09/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Bang for the buck

If you do everything you are supposed to do such as getting good grades, and really taking advantage of your co-op most likely you will end your senior year with a job offer. That's the Drexel difference!

What to do for fun

You are in the city of Philadelphia where something is going on every night! If you ever read reviews from Drexel students saying there isn't anything to do here then it's their loss because they didn't branch out to find anything to do.

Food and Dining

Campus food is what you would expect however there is an option on your meal plan where you can explore different restaurants and food trucks which is uniquely great!

Dorm Life

Every dorm is generally larger than average, and is clean.

Academic Rigor

The rigor of academics truly depends on what type of major you are. If you are an arts & sciences/design/business/health professions/education major then you will have pretty college standard classes. If you are an engineer major I would expect your classes to be more rigorous.

In three sentences

Drexel is a school that builds you into the type of person that professionals want to work with while implementing their co-op program. It is a modern/innovative university that is going above & beyond to not only make a change in the world, but in our future of education. Drexel is a place where you will be able to LIVE IT!

Richard from Upper Darby, PA

07/30/2013

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

Based on student accounts and Drexel orientation, I feel extermely safe knowing that Drexel University provides a great safety for students. They are in contact with local police officers that constantly drive around the campus to ensure student safety. Addtionally, there are many phone booths for students to request for help and for people to help escort students back to classes or dorms at night.

Clubs and Activities

Drexel offers clubs and activities for anyone! There are different activities that student can participate in such as organizations relating to their majors, fraternities/sororities, sports, etc. Even if Drexel does not offer a specific club that people are interested in, student are allowed to start their own club.

Bang for the buck

Co-op is definitely one of the bang for the buck aspects of Drexel. It allows students to earn money by working for companies and business that may relate to their major. This allows the student to receive field experience while still in school. It gives student an advantage over others as it allows them to make personal connections with businesses. Additionally, these companies may even hire their intern/co-op participates right out of college! Definitely a great benefit of studying at Drexel!

What to do for fun

Since Drexel University is in the city, there are many activities to do for fun. For one, Drexel students are able to go to the Rec Center and enjoy working out, playing sports and other activities. Another thing they can do is go to Drexel's library to read and relax with friends. In the city, students can go to different restaurants to dine out. They can also take the Philadelphia transportation, SEPTA, to travel to other parts of Philadelphia such as the sports complex where they can watch the local sports teams. The amount of activities Drexel students can do at Drexel is limitless.

Food and Dining

I have only experienced the food and dining at Drexel Orientation and I thought that the food was pretty good. They offer a variety of foods for all dietary needs such as salads. Additionally, I enjoyed the desserts ranging from snow cones to ice cream. I definitely think I'll be getting the freshmen 15 here!

Dorm Life

Again, I have not started my college life at Drexel University but I heard that dorming is definitely worth it. Although it is an additionally 14K, meeting new friends is easier when you dorm. Also, I have heard that the common rooms are extremely relaxing as you can take breaks from classes and hang out with friends.

Academic Rigor

Although I have not started class yet, I have heard that Drexel University classes work fast. Since it is in the trimester schedule, topics are covered quickly so students need to be on top of their work and studies. Additionally, I have heard that it is manageable, but only if the students chooses to work hard.

Tips for prospective students

Although Drexel University is expensive, the rewards and opportunities definitely make up for it. It provides an astonishing amount of co-op that pays students to get hand-on field experience with other business that could even hire you right out of college! Stay aware of Drexel University in the next few years as it continues to expand and provide a great education for all students.

In three sentences

Although I have not started classes yet, I have found Drexel University to be an up and coming university with all of the new innovation happening around campus. It is perhaps one of the top universities around the Philadelphia area with its highly ranked engineering program as well as the co-op opportunities that they offer. Personally, I believe that Drexel University can be compared to the elite colleges such as MIT, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, etc. as it provides top notch education.

Oulimata from Staten Island, NY

07/24/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Although we lack a football team, basketball games here are super exciting. Drexel students have one tradition during basketball games: waving spirit fingers when our team is making a free throw. It's a fool-proof good luck charm and the ball goes through 98.9% of the time.

What to do for fun

Drexel has a huge recreation center on campus that includes an indoor basketball court, an indoor track circling the perimeter of the basketball court on the top floor, an indoor pool, a squash center, and a 2-floor gym with lots of equipment. On campus there is an outdoor sand volleyball court, a recreational field with turf floor, and an outdoor tennis court. In addition, Drexel has tons of organizations and clubs. There is literally a club for everyone!

Food and Dining

The Handschumacher (also known as the Hans) has great options for all eaters. Mostly freshmen eat at the Hans, but it is rare to not find an upperclassman being nostalgic and having a meal there. It's basically like a buffet-style establishment, where you can go grab as much food as you want while you are there. Food options include Passports (which serves a variety of International meals), pasta/pizza station, burger station, salad bar, vegetarian station, and an Asian food area, and more.

Dorm Life

I've lived in on-campus housing for my freshman and sophomore years and will be living in on-campus housing for my junior year as well. So I'm pretty much an expert (self-proclaimed, of course) on all the dorms. Freshman year I lived in Kelly Hall, which was fun. Sophomore year I lived in Caneris Hall, which is one of the most conveniently located residence halls on campus. Currently I am living in North Hall and will be in North for my junior year too.

Academic Rigor

Make sure you are motivated and ready to work hard. With the quarter system, weeks fly by so it is important not to fall behind to quickly. Time management is key!

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you are motivated and ready to work hard. With the quarter system, weeks fly by so it is important not to fall behind to quickly. Time management is key!

In three sentences

Drexel University is a great institution. With the cooperative program, students are able to gain up to three real world work experiences. This surely helps students get a feel of what work after is like.

Tisa from Upper Darby, PA

07/23/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

University City is safe for the most part since it is filled with students from UPenn and Drexel. There is the Drexel and Upenn Police patrolling the area constantly. There are also Emergency Phone lines located on every corner of the street just in case something arises. Drexel offers cab services as well as escorting service to get to and from classes or places outside of Drexel.

Great for these types of students

Drexel is great for Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Business, and Premed majors. I would not recommend Drexel to anyone who are pursuing something other than a degree in these majors just for the price of Drexel and limited CO-OP opportunities for everyone else.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have the commuter lounge, located down in the basement of the Student's Creese Center. It is where all gamers, nerds, weeaboos, otakus, and geeks alike gather. It's also a nice place to study and watch movies. There's a microwave and a fridge that is free to use for anyone. We also have the dragon statue located outside on 33rd of Market Street. People will occasionally ride the dragon or take photos of it. We also have the giant biowall, which is quite famous and is often showcased during student tours and orientations. Just letting you in a secret, it dies nearly every single week. Finally, we have the Drexelone Plaza where you would occasionally have classes in. It's basically a maze down there and it's a hotspot for playing hide-n-seek.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is incredibly expensive, however Drexel is quite generous in giving merit-based and need-based rewards. Still, the average Drexel student pays a whooping 30k a year. Students have to pay their tuition during CO-OP sessions as well. So basically, students are either paying to work (if they receive a non-paid CO-OP internship) or paying themselves to work (if they receive a paid CO-OP). There's really nothing outstanding about Drexel besides the CO-OP internship but then again, the experience gained from the CO-OP internships is invaluable in itself.

What to do for fun

You can always venture over to UPenn's campus at anytime for free! They have an assortment of shopping areas and dining places to explore apart from Drexel's campus. There's a movie theater called The Rave on 40th St. that has discounted movie tickets, five dollars on Thursdays, for any movies. There's a Drexel bus service that runs from Drexel's main campus to the heart of Center City of Philadelphia and at the College of Medicine! Any Drexel students may use these buses for free when showing a school ID. You can roam around the city, using Drexel's Cultural Passport (distributed at the Student Creese Center) to go to attractions, such as the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra or the Franklin Institute, for free. The possibilities are endless in the city, to be honest. Not only that, Drexel is located right at the center of public transportation. Students may use Septa buses, subways, and railways to go beyond Philly to suburban areas and anywhere else! Since it is Philly, there's a lot of events going on constantly, like free concerts venues for popular bands.

Food and Dining

The dining food choices are limited and the tasting quality of the food is... Terrible. Well, it's not that it's not edible, it's just that when you have limited choices, everything starts to taste the same and it starts to taste dull. We only have one small dining hall on campus located quite a few blocks away from the dorm. Alternatively, you can buy food from Seasons (a small cafe located at Papadakis Science Building that serves pastries, organic chips, bagels, and sandwiches), Taco Bell Express (limited choice since it is an express and is located at the library), Northside Terrance (Chik Fil A, Subway, Currito express and a small convenience store located at the dorms). You may also buy food from the various food trucks located around campus, which I highly recommend eating from! There's all kinds of food trucks for all kinds of taste. I suggest eating from the food trucks behind this red building called The Main Building and this food truck called Happy Sunshine on Arch Street in front of the Calhoun Dorm.

Dorm Life

For each floor of your dorm housing, there's one or two Resident Assistant who are readily there to help you out if needed, whether it's a dispute among suitmates or cleaning maintenence. The dorm life depends on which dorms you are housed in and your assigned floormates. Generally, people come out of whatever year they are in making new bonds with the people they have lived with for a year. Each floor has some sort of mini social event going on daily/weekly exclusive to only the people living on the floor. We have traditional quirks for each dorm/floor/suite and the general campus life, like foaming the fountain or parties in the common room.

Academic Rigor

Speaking from someone who randomly took up biology, chemistry, engineering, statistics, psychology, & various of other courses despite being a computer science major, the academic rigor varies upon professors. I cannot say that the academics are brutal but I definitely cannot say that the academics are a cake-walk. I have learned a good amount of new material in some of these courses but in other courses, I have learned nothing but received an A. Again, it all depends on the professors teaching the course. However, here's my own unbiased view for each track: Biological Sciences/Health/Nursing/Premed/Chemistry/general science - The science courses generally have heavy workloads from lab reports and recitation classes. Some classes require the skill to think in an abstract/application thinking for exam questions and homework questions. There are some course tracks, like psychology, that are much easier and just requires memorization skills and simple homework handouts but that can depend on professors. The math courses required for these tracks are easy for those who are slightly competent in mathematics, name baby calculus and statistics. Mechanical/Electrical/Computer related fields/ & other Engineers- Engineers have very little room to take an elective courses. Engineers have to take from science courses to physics (generally not required for bio/premed/nursing/health majors) to more complex calculus to engineering courses. The workload and the amount of studying can be brutal, especially since there's very little room to relax and the very high chances of taking an eccentric, thick-accent professor in any courses relating to math, physics, and engineering. Biomedical Engineering - They have extremely heavy workload, dealing with all the courses mentioned above *and* premed weeding classes like BIO 122. Business-related majors - They have the easiest workload but I believe Accounting class takes a toll on them. Art/Music/Performance - Often looked down upon by others but they definitely have a heavy workload in dealing with their assignments that requires hours of tedious details into their own creation. Many fail to realize that.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel University runs on the /quarter/ system, not the usual traditional semester system. Your breaks will not align with your high school friends from other colleges' breaks. That includes: Summer, winter break, and spring break. For your freshman year, you will go through three terms of classes. Each term lasts only ten weeks and most classes (with the exception of one/two-lecture-a-week classes and labs) are fifty minutes long, which means that the professors will cram material. You will need to learn material quickly and you will need to get used to getting weekly midterms. Good thing is, if you fail a class, it won't affect your gpa drastically. You can also take many courses that you are interested in within a term. Bad thing is, the pace is quick and the depth of information you will get is very shallow.... And the fact that you will have to study constantly for those constant midterms. Drexel also runs on a CO-OP system. As in, you work at an internship (can be paid or non-paid) for six months and then you go back to your academic session in the next six months. The summer after your freshman year is your LAST summer ever as you spend the rest of your summers in your coop internship or in class. Make most of it! Also, go on the smallest meal plan when you get here. The food at the Hans Dining Hall is not as great as it did when you come here for the summer Incoming Freshman Orientation. If you are nice and courteous to the food servers down there, they will give you extra food. ;) Also, be adventurous and buy food from the various food trucks floating around. I suggest eating from the food trucks behind this red building called The Main Building and this food truck called Happy Sunshine on Arch Street in front of the Calhoun Dorm. When picking classes, CHECK YOUR PROFESSOR RATINGS AND REVIEWS ON KOOFERS AND RATEMYPROFESSORS.COM. You are welcome. :| You have two weeks to drop the class you don't like for the withdrawal mark to not show on your transcript. Also, don't even bother buying textbooks. Take notes, find a pdf file online, or find it on ebay, amazon, or other online bookstores for under fifty dollars. International editions are just the same, trust me.

In three sentences

Drexel University runs on the *QUARTER* system (I had to emphasize that because incoming freshmen rarely ever know that) and is good for those who know what they want to major in as soon as they apply to this college. Drexel University is located in University City of Philadelphia, which is a very nice area comprised of UPenn and Drexel students in contrast to what people may think of anything located in Philly. The campus is quite small but is still developing as Drexel put their money into new constructions every year.

Molly from PA

Despite being in the city, Drexel is very safe. Campus Safety officers are always on patrol, and DrexelAlerts text all the students with any reported crime in the area.

Greek Life

Drexel seems to be pretty big with Greek Life, and there are a large number of sororities and fraternities on campus.

Great for these types of students

Drexel's engineering and business programs are well known and thus Drexel is worth looking into for students with these majors.

Bang for the buck

Yes, Drexel is an expensive school. However, they give out lots of money through scholarships and some of the co-ops are paid. Drexel provides a great education and through the co-op system many students gain the experience needed to find great jobs right after graduation.

What to do for fun

Drexel is so close to Center City Philadelphia that you can easily walk there. Students have access to one of the largest cities in America, and Drexel encourages cultural participation with the freshman Cultural Passport, a book of one-time passes to the various events and locations in Philly such as museums, the zoo, and musical performances. Drexel has a lot of Greek Life activity, many diverse clubs, and athletic teams ranging from varsity to club to intramural levels.

Food and Dining

Drexel's dining hall, the Handschumacher Dining Center, is recently going through renovation and should be quite luxurious when it's finished. The food at Drexel is decent but they serve the same things almost every day, making the dining experience for freshman rather repetitive.

Dorm Life

The dorms are very nice compared to other schools, but they tend to have strict policies regarding guests.

Academic Rigor

Drexel is fast paced and challenging. With only 10 weeks in each term, students cannot afford to slack off or fall behind. However, proper time management makes the work load reasonable.

Tips for prospective students

Check out one of the many clubs! Clubs are a great way to meet people of different majors and ages, but you will have at least one common interest.

In three sentences

Drexel is a diverse university with challenging courses and an excellent co-op program. It is located in Philadelphia's University City, and is very much an urban campus. Though it is expensive, you are getting what you are paying for with Drexel's outstanding academic programs and its high employment rate for graduates.

Dana from San Carlos, CA

06/26/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Moving to a huge city scared me at first and I was concerned about my safety. However, I never felt threatened on campus and Drexel does a good job of protecting their students. Between Philadelphia police, Drexel police, and Drexel public safety, they are always protecting the school and students.

Greek Life

Greek life is extremely fun at Drexel. The Greek community is very close and always encourages students to join the family.

Clubs and Activities

Drexel i a very diverse campus and they do a good job of having many activities to accomodate everyones needs. They have club fairs throughout the year in order to familiarze students with clubs and activities so everyone is always welcome to get involved.

Food and Dining

Drexel offers many options for food, however the choices get very old very fast. With that said, the dining hall has over 9 different stations with different foods but the food got progressively worse as the year went on.

Dorm Life

I absolutely loved living in the dorm. There are so many different styles of dorms at Drexel which makes it very accommodating to all students. The dorms are all very close together which allows for a tight knit community. Also, all residential assistant's from all dorms work together in order to get the students out of the dorm and active around campus.

Academic Rigor

Drexel is a very challenging school. It is a very fast pace environment with only ten week courses which makes keeping up with your work crucial. Most teachers are very willing to help though which makes it more duable to stay on top of your work.

In three sentences

Deciding to attend Drexel was the best decision I have made and I absolutely love the school. I never thought I would fall in love with the city, school, and people so fast, but I have, and the opportunities have been endless. Drexel offers so many exceptional programs, between study abroad and co-op, and the experiences I have already been encountered in my first year are so memorable and are going to be instrumental to my success.

Nicholas from Philadelphia, PA

06/18/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

#2 or #3 in the nation behind Penn's safety, and get this: they work together. Downtown Philly, that high up in the nation right next to each other???! Yeah, University city is safe beyond compare. Just as long as you use your head and don't put yourself in bad situations and places, it is as safe as can be!

Greek Life

Definitely high quality Greek Life on campus...NO HAZING! Drexel is known for its anti-hazing policies and if something happens along those lines, there is an investigation that goes on, and then it is not uncommon for that chapter to get kicked off campus. They are really strict on it and the faculty are also involved heavily with it. Good stuff!

Clubs and Activities

you name it, we have it. If it isn't there, then you can make it! Simple as that! Something for everyone!

Great for these types of students

People who know what they want to do with their lives, where they are headed, and who are committed and dedicated to learning and education. Seriously, if you aren't at Drexel to learn and advance your knowledge, you won't be happy because we are a bunch of nerds. Also, if you come here just for the social life and thrill of college, you won't come close to passing your classes.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Before finals week you go rub the toe of the water boy in Main Building for good luck!

Bang for the buck

Drexel's tuition is through the roof ridiculous, any student on campus can tell you that, but for the 6 month co-ops and the full-time, real world experience and hands-on training you get throughout your college career here is unmatched! In the end you get a bunch of debt, like any college student, but you come out with a job and a stellar resume. I would say its worth it.

What to do for fun

There are always parties throughout the week on Powelton somewhere...not my thing. I go explore the city at night, walk around old city during the day, and take adventures like that because Philly is just endless with opportunities! The athletic events are amazing and the DAC PACK for the basketball games was ranked in one of the top 10 best student sections, for our D1 basketball team, in the land! The atmosphere is electric on gameday for the team and with no football team around, all the excitement triples for these events! There are also quite a few student organizations that you can get involved in and there is definitely something for everyone!

Food and Dining

Overpriced stuff at the stores where your Dragon Dollars are accepted, and not a huge variety with only one dining hall. Seriously, the food trucks are where it's at. Dirt cheap but absolutely INCREDIBLE food! (The Happy Sunshine Lunch truck is the best btw! Hash Brown, Bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, w/salt, pepper, and ketchup!)

Dorm Life

Meh, it is alright. It is where you define your relationships for the rest of your years at Drexel because you are only required to live on campus in dorms your freshman year. Not a bad deal, just an outrageous cost for living! If you want to you can stay in a dorm your entire time here, up to you!

Academic Rigor

Tough 10 week term schedule, where 3 terms make up a year. You end up getting more knowledge though by the end than what a typical semester school gets so it becomes a perk in the long run! However, it is still challenging fitting in what other Universities do in 15 weeks into our 10 weeks. The Professors understand and will work step by step with you so it is not near as intimidating as it sounds!

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared for a lot of work and not much free-time. Also, know that you will start your terms in the fall weeks later than all your other friends, and then you won't start your summer break until weeks later as well. It is tough but if you are determined and you want top-notch and the highest quality learning, you come here!

In three sentences

A very elite school in downtown Philly, Drexel is an extremely rigorous University with the trimester/quarter schedule on top of balancing co-ops that they offer. Drexel is always expanding majors and class options to offer a broad range of courses, and to accommodate that, campus is continuously expanding with new buildings as well! Overall, Drexel is one of the top learning communities in the nation who actually prepares you for the real world!

Nicholas from Landing, NJ

06/15/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Drexel University is the second safest school in the nation since three different security organizations patrol the campus and ample certain alert systems help keep the students protected and reachable when in danger.

Greek Life

The Greek fraternities and sororities help the community thrive through civil service and fundraising.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs and activities that entice most Drexel students; a balance of clubs, activities, and studies will provide the most inclusive and productive college experience.

Great for these types of students

Drexel is great for students that are eager to learn and explore since Co-op and studing abroad are two programs that intensely prepare the Drexel student to become a part of the American top-tier work force.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

An unusual location is the Mechanical Engineering Senior Project lab which is in the basement of the main building. Also, the art studio building is innovative and inspiring in its architecture and the interior design of its many offices and study areas.

Bang for the buck

Drexel offers vital research opportunities to most of its undergraduates and graduates and, when combined with a highly successful teaching method, the high cost of attendance appears more appropriate. The scholarships do help lower cost of attendance.

What to do for fun

Drexel is a very active school with a surplus activities in which to participate. Laser tag, rock climbing, and many intramural sports, clubs and varsity sports are only some of the activities Drexel offers to its students.

Food and Dining

There are many options for any Drexel Student: the Drexel cafeteria, separate food establishments, and a grocer that distributes, at a modest price, various snacks and ingredients for meals of all kinds.

Dorm Life

A huge selection of dorms is available to most students and the dorms are successfully manipulated to provide a quaint yet productive space of conduct for its scholars.

Academic Rigor

Drexel University is perceived as one of the most academically challenging schools on the east coast and in this country. However, studying and discipline will drastically improve a student's cahnces of succeeding here.

Tips for prospective students

Any student attending this university, regardless of age or experience, should assert himself with the intention of joining as many societies, fraternities, and extracurricular clubs to make the most of his experience in this great college.

In three sentences

This school uniquely combines the traditions upon which Drexel was built and the innovativeness of teachers and research to actively engage and foster its students. Students that attend this college is excellent in the various forms of teaching that it provides and its captivation of its students is unrivaled. This university's prestige is not displayed superfluously but with pulchritudinous stature.

Simone from Philadelphia, PA

It's an investment - just make smart loaning decisions that you will not live to regret.

What to do for fun

It's an urban area - there's always tons to do!

Food and Dining

Good options - this is also to be expanded.

Dorm Life

There is a lot of construction going on now to build this up - should be beautiful in years to come.

Academic Rigor

Very rigorous coursework for Business Economics and Engineering students.

Tips for prospective students

Ensure that upon receiving your Financial Aid package you do not look at the Additional Estimated Expenses and get a loan for the amount shown as the Unmet Need! If you do - should you not need that additional money - you'll regret it.

In three sentences

Drexel is a great university with a stellar reputation. Their focus is on churning out students that are prepared and competitive in the workplace - however, their commitment truly lies not in what they can do for their students, but what their students can do for them. I do not believe this is unique to Drexel, however it is dichotomous to allow the politics of the university to supersede what is best for a student.

Nishma from Morton, PA

There's not much on campus, the rec center is good for sports and swimming but Center City is only a subway or bus ride away and there's always something interesting going on there.

Food and Dining

The food is sub-par at best. For all freshmen coming in, unless you like gross food do not go with the meal plan that gets you unlimited meals at the dining hall. Dining dollars are far more useful for places like Starbucks and Seasons. That's about the only place you can find good food aside from the food trucks on campus. If you came to Drexel and are at the dining hall and thought it was good, that's a lie, they up the food quality when prospective students visit.

Dorm Life

Depending on what dorm you have it can either be good or bad. I stayed in Myers and it's not that bad. Marine nice is really slow when it comes to fixing problems but there's enough space to work or have people over.

Academic Rigor

Just a warning, depending on your major you're probably going to lose a lot of your free time. Expect to be constantly working.

Tips for prospective students

Naps are your best friend. Get as much sleep between classes as you can.

In three sentences

Drexel is no pushover, since they're on the quarter system everything is really fast paced and sometimes you feel like you can't catch your breath between the all work. But if you can deal with that it's a really good school, the teachers may be crazy but they're knowledgeable about the subjects they teach and they're willing to help you understand if you don't get something. They're good at preparing you for the real world.

Chelsea from Manlius, NY

05/13/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Good level of campus safety. It's the city, so you obviously need to use your common sense, and not put yourself in any potentially dangerous situations. However, we have campus security patrolling all the time, campus cops ( real cops, not rent a cops) as well as UPenn security right next door.

Greek Life

While I don't know too much because I don't participate in Greek Life, I know that we do have a large population of Greek students.

Clubs and Activities

There are plently of clubs and activites to get involved with, with regular activity fairs to check out new ones.

Great for these types of students

Great for students who are self sufficient, and like a location they can easily travel to other places from.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The top floor of our main buildings has this one room that surely hasn't been touched since 1980. There's all this old tech stuff forgotten up there, which is cool to see. I always want to explore that floor more, I have a feeling there's alot more history to be found.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is extremely expensive. I love it here, but I know if I didnt have a lot of scholarships and grants I wouldnt be going here. If you can afford it great, but if you have to pay for Drexel solely depending on loans, I probably wouldnt recommend it, you'll be drowing in them later.

What to do for fun

Explore the city! Get out there, see all the historic spots, the amazing architecture, and the endless amount of stores.

Food and Dining

There are alot of options for food. There is of course, the campus food, which is pretty good for what it is. Then there are of course lots of restaurants nearby, pizza places, and of course food trucks, scattered all over campus.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is pretty good, there is a decent amount of planned events and gatherings. Most people usually have moved out of dorms and in to apartments by their sophmore/junior years.

Academic Rigor

While I have never found the course load unmanagable ( and I have taken 17-20 credits every term) it can be alot, so be prepared to time manage well.

Tips for prospective students

If you plan on going to Drexel, make sure you're prepared to be going to school in the summer. No, its not the most fun thing ever, but if you're constantly complaining it just makes it even worse (for you and everyone around you)

In three sentences

Drexel is great for experiencing living in the city. It approaches many of its subjects with a very technical attitude. It prepares you well for proffesional life outside of school.

Kendall from San Jose, CA

Andy from Marlton, NJ

04/30/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

just participate in campus activities, very widespread variety of what you can do, and if you want to do something that you do not see offered here, you can request it yourself and find others interested to start such a club or activity

Food and Dining

food trucks are great, northside is great as well but can easily make your dining dollars disappear if you are not careful, DO NOT go to the Hans unless you really need to

Dorm Life

community and environment is spectacular, the dorms themselves are not always so well kept because some of them only have two or three janitors working all floors of the residence halls

Academic Rigor

10 week accelerated terms, tough to keep up with work if you slack off too much

Tips for prospective students

Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and make some friends, because in the near future they may be the ones that help you network and get you your dream job. And just try to have some fun, sure studying is important, but having fun once in a while is good too and relieves a lot of stress.

In three sentences

The courses here are a bit tough but that is expected because they are accelerated to 10 week terms instead of being in 15 week semesters. The community here at Drexel is fantastic for the most part. Overall, I am happy to attend this university.

Jasmine from Hanover, PA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

It is right in the middle of the city, there is always something to do!

Food and Dining

Exactly what you would expect from a college cafeteria, but the surrounding restaurants deserve a 5/5!

Dorm Life

Excellent dorms, although they can be pricey.

Academic Rigor

Stands up to the other high ranking colleges and universities.

Tips for prospective students

Don't try to compare it to any other school, it is very different than others. You know when you walk through the campus if it is the right fit for you or not. Definitely make it a point to visit!

In three sentences

Drexel is right in the middle of the city surrounded by great shops and restaurants. The academic atmosphere they provide is really great. All of the teachers and tour guides are super helpful and friendly!

Corey from Philadelphia, PA

04/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There are plenty of on campus activities. I am involved in the music department and I am looking to play intramural sports next semester. If there is something you like to do and there is no club for it, there ae many avenues that you can pursue getting a club together in.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria is very low quality and that leaves you very little options to spend your mandatory meal plan money on. You only have to buy it for one year but in my opinion it is one year too many. Get used to chick-fil-a, currito, and subway because that's where most of your meals end up coming from.

Dorm Life

The dorms here can be very nice and the social scene is very friendly. There are a lot of opportunities to make friends but the one thing I would suggest is you bring a lamp! The lamps provided in many of the rooms do not give you enough light.

Academic Rigor

The freshman schedule is packed with classes so it can be hard to adjust coming straight from high school. The professors know there is only ten weeks to get through a lot of material so they push you but it is worth it.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely budget your time. The ten weeks in a quarter go by a lot faster than you originally think they will. There is plenty of time to both work and play if you space the work out through the whole quarter but do not try and get everything done at the last minute.

In three sentences

Drexel University is one of the most academically stimulating universities in the area. It is very fast paced with it's trimester system but it allows you to push through the required classes that you might not enjoy faster. I would recommend this university to students looking to become better prepared for the workforce.

Mackenzie from Paoli, PA

there is public safety on campus 24/7 and Drexel-wide text alerts if there is a safety concern.

Greek Life

there is a substantial greek life here if students are interested in joining a sorority or a fraternity.

Great for these types of students

highly motivated, focused, and diverse.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Drexel Park is a great place to go to relax and chill with friends.

Bang for the buck

It is no doubt an expensive school so I advise only the highly motivated and focused students go here because if you perform as minimally as you need to, then it is a waste of time and money.

What to do for fun

The whole city is around you, something that a lot of isolated schools can't offer. Also, there are neighboring schools such as Penn and the University of the Sciences to connect with.

Food and Dining

It really isn't so bad but if you are a vegan like myself or have special dietary concerns it gets tricky eating both tasty and nutritious food here.

Dorm Life

In my experience, the floors in the dorms don't do a lot of mixing, but that also has to do with the fact that I live in the largest building which may be in contrast to the small community feel of a smaller dorm. That being said, I love the people on my floor.

Academic Rigor

the academic rigor is as much or as little as you want it to be, but if you decide to take a full course load it will be rigorous.

Tips for prospective students

Be ready to position yourself in situations that you want to be a part of; Drexel is a large enough school where the faculty won't necessarily seek you out to make sure you are doing what you should be to be successful. Also, meet as many new people as you can---the school doesn't lend itself to a high volume of socialization in its clubs, athletics and activities alone.

In three sentences

Drexel is a school with many upcoming additions and improvements, making the atmosphere a very energizing one to be a part of. I consider my school to be a forward thinking one, as it has built into its curriculum the co-op program, a unique opportunity that Drexel offers. Lastly and also probably my favorite aspect of the university, Drexel is a highly diverse both in its student body and its faculty.

Joe from Richboro, PA

Although it is expensive, you will look very good to employers which can offset the price.

What to do for fun

Fun things to do? It's Philadelphia. There is always something to do. Drexel also runs fun events, and there a lot of intramural sports.

Food and Dining

There are a lot of options on campus, especially the food trucks. The school has a cafeteria but it is not the best quality food. Some people have gotten really sick from it until they get used to the food.

Dorm Life

I commute to school so I am not entirely familiar with the dorming situation. However, I have stayed over for a few nights and I did enjoy the time there.

Academic Rigor

The course load is heavy, especially for engineering students. Drexel packs 15 weeks of material into 10 weeks. As you can expect, time management is key to success at Drexel.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel is very, very expensive, so look into all of your choices. Although it may be a good college, saving money is just as smart of a decision.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a very good and well respected university. The main perk of attending is the excellent coop program. Drexel is very good at preparing students for the real so world.

Katie from Hughesville, PA

Drexel has many safety forces on campus, you can't go anywhere without seeing someone wearing a yellow Drexel Safety shirt. You definitely feel safe on campus no matter when.

Bang for the buck

Because of the co-op program I think Drexel will ultimately be worth the investment.

What to do for fun

Since campus is in the middle of Philadelphia there are the obvious historical aspects to explore. Drexel also has a good basketball program so going to the games is always exciting.

Food and Dining

There aren't very many on campus dining options, you have to go to Penn's campus to get the best food options. Most food on campus is expensive too, however there are food trucks that can provide good dining options you just have to know which ones to go to. The food at the dining center isn't very good, the only make good food when prospective students are visiting.

Dorm Life

Once again, it depends on the dorm you are staying in. Some dorms are suite style while others are typical two people per room setups. I recommend visiting the dorms in person to gain a full understanding of where students will be spending 9 months of their lives.

Academic Rigor

I think it really depends on your major, some require more work than others but the work is equally challenging.

Tips for prospective students

Know your options, especially when it comes to dining plans and on campus housing. Explore the city as much as possible especially during the warm months. Most students only have one summer off at Drexel so take time to enjoy that summer but still be productive somehow. Also look into all the opportunities Drexel offers.

In three sentences

Drexel has a great staff and great facilities. The campus is very urban and lacks a lot of green space. The food could definitely be better.

Scott from Feasterville, PA

Safety is not an issue at Drexel. There are so many police and public safety officers around all of the time to protect us and are there for us.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is a lot of money. The programs are great, but I do not feel that it is worth the large price.

What to do for fun

If you come to Drexel, you will be in the city so there is always things going on. The campus also offers activities that can be accessed most times of the day. The gym is also great.

Food and Dining

The food that Drexel offers is okay, but I prefer going to the food trucks being that they are a lot better

Dorm Life

The dorm life varies upon which dorm you live in. I personally live in Race hall and i find that you meet less people but are more comfortable with my own bathroom and larger room being that it is a suite.

Academic Rigor

The academic program runs on trimesters which means that its three, ten week courses that are extremely fast paced and on topic. Every class is something new because you are constantly moving on to the next paper or lesson.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel is a great place to be, but it is for those students that are willing to put fourth all their effort and stay focused. Drexel is a lot of money and if you do not focus in your work you will be left behind and it is such fast paced here, that there is no time for slacking.

In three sentences

Drexel is a melting pot that attracts students from all over the world. Drexel is a university for students that want to work, and are focused on the long term goal for future success. Finally, Drexel has many connections in the actual business world outside Drexel that students are encouraged to take advantage of when applying for a job.

Rishi from Philadelphia, PA

Campus is 200% safe .University cops are 24 x 7 around the campus and they are very fast and responsive.

Greek Life

There are numerous frats and community to join .They organise various events and functions which are really exciting.

Clubs and Activities

Various clubs are there but they are 21+, you can go there have some desserts drinks and good music. You can also join different fraternity to hangout with different people.

Great for these types of students

For those who believes in enjoying life along with keeping the track of academic progress. Have fun and do study , this is the formula for success.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

All locations of Drexel university are well known and beautiful. You can go to the river side and have a good time with your friends.

Bang for the buck

you should value your money and spend on the right thing.

What to do for fun

Hang out with your friend in Philadelphia. Various cultural events are also organised by Drexel University to take part in. Various live performance are very common so you can go there and dance on the beat of music. There are many museums you can watch.

Food and Dining

Dinning center is the one i love the most. It has different variety of foods , desserts and its is very very very very delicious.

Dorm Life

Dorm are very clean hygienic and fasinating. You should live in dorm and enjoy the life in there. RA's are just like friends and they organise various activities for you in dorm to participate in.

Academic Rigor

The college is nice. Professor are very helpful and friendly so there is nothing to worry or be afraid of.

Tips for prospective students

University is very good so gain as much knowledge as you can and improve your personality. Study, play, enjoy and live life to the fullest in Drexel University

In three sentences

Its a good university because we gain a lot of practical knowledge of professional world and it offer many opportunity to improve and enhance your skills.The teaching method and style is the most important and beneficial aspect of Drexel University.

Christopher from Ballston Lake, NY

Drexel campus safety patrols the campus all of the time, and we are located next to UPenn, who also has campus safety. The presence of these people keep the crime outside our campus.

Greek Life

I am currently in Greek life and overall, Drexel has a good fraternity and sorority life program. There are 12 fraternities and 6 sororities on campus, and always growing.

Clubs and Activities

There are endless amounts of clubs offered at Drexel. And if there is something you would like to do that is not offered, you simply need a faculty advisor to start one yourself.

Great for these types of students

There is not one specific person at Drexel. There are many opportunities that it is good for all types of people.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Since we border UPenn, we have a rivalry with them across the street in some sports.

Bang for the buck

As long as you get a scholarship, Drexel is definitely worth it. Also, you make money on co-op which you can use for tuition.

What to do for fun

Anything you could imagine, Philly offers many opportunities. There are clubs in the school, parties, Arts & Entertainment, the beach an hour away, etc.

Food and Dining

The dining on Drexel's campus could be drastically improved. There is only one dining hall and it is very far from the dorms. The fast food places to use dining dollars at gets old very fast.

Dorm Life

The dorms are very nice, although most people move out of them after freshman year just to save money.

Academic Rigor

The classes are difficult, especially the first 2 years.

Tips for prospective students

The classes are hard, so be prepared to work. But as long as you get your work done, there will definitely be time for socializing and other activities.

In three sentences

Drexel is a great school with many well-rounded opportunities. Being located in the heart of Philadelphia, there are many things to do on and off campus. There are many students attending Drexel, meaning that there is something for everyone.

DonEl from Philadelphia, PA

01/04/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

There's somewhere around 200 clubs on campus there is so much to do, I'm part of the rugby club but there's a lot more than just sports, whatever you like there's a club and if you cant find one you can start your own.

Great for these types of students

Motivated, focused, and go-getting students.

Bang for the buck

It's a great school, but it's a little pricey, without a scholarship, or a rich relative willing to help you out, it might be a little rough to pay for.

What to do for fun

Philadelphia is an amazing city, there is no shortage of things to do, movies, bowling, museums, roller skating whatever you're into they've got it close by.

Food and Dining

The food is amazing in my opinion, they have a great variety of things to eat so you never really have to worry about getting bored with your choices.

Dorm Life

I don't live on campus but from what I've heard the housing is pretty awesome and the rooms look great.

Academic Rigor

With the high-speed terms (10 weeks) the work can seem a little over-bearing at first but you get used to it, and as long as you stay on top of your home -work you'll do just fine

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to work, as long as you stay on top of your homework you wont run into any problems.

In three sentences

The course work is extremely fast paced, the community on campus is super diverse. The teachers are really interactive and the smaller class sizes make it easy to get your thoughts and opinions heard.

Emily from Philadelphia, PA

Use Koofers to pick teachers. Theres nothing worse than a bad professor to screw up your GPA.

In three sentences

WHile the school is extremely expensive, it provides a great education and great opportunities for networking. The co-op program allows you to graduate with a great deal of work experience under your belt and you have every opportunity to make the most out of your college experience.

Nydia from Huntingdon Valley, PA

I have been fortunate enough to never have to require the help of campus safety!

Greek Life

There are over 25 Sororities and Fraternities!

Clubs and Activities

There are over 200 clubs and all are welcoming and flexible!

Great for these types of students

Great for students who want to get involved and also those who love city life!

Bang for the buck

Make sure you have a financial plan because Drexel is expensive!

What to do for fun

Take the subway or trolly to the city and explore the city life!

Food and Dining

The dining hall is alright, but the other food locations are great! Try Northside for Chik-Fil-A or Currito!

Dorm Life

Make sure to get to know everyone on your floor! It makes dorm life that much better!

Academic Rigor

Drexel pushes its students academically, so make sure you stay on top of your workload and don't let it pile up!

Tips for prospective students

Drexel is expensive, so make sure to work out a financial plan. Work hard and keep up with all assignments and take advantage of the days when you don't have a lot of classes or work to get ahead of schoolwork. It pays off.

In three sentences

Drexel is a fun city-life environment that allows students to get involved, but also challenges their students academically. There are great resources for students who need help academically or even for those who want to find out more information about getting involved and becoming more civically engaged.

Andrew

11/13/2012

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Food and Dining

The dining room is not exactly close. This was the one thing that my mom had a complaint about. She was worried that if the food was not nearby to my dorm or my classroom, that I would never go across campus to eat.

Dorm Life

Kind of older dorms. I think that they said something about new dorms, or maybe upgrading, but the dorms that I got to see on my visit were old, small and dirty. Like any college.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to visit the campuses of all the colleges you are visiting. While this may not be the college for me, I still think that if a person can go to this school and enjoy the city atmosphere, the university would be great.

In three sentences

College right in the heart of Philly. Very cool campus, in an area that is not bad, but still has the city feel to it. For me, I am not sure I liked it as much as the other schools that I am considering, but that is mainly due to me being more of a rural type of person.

Yonghwan from Rockville, MD

Public Safety team is structured really well. If you are scared to walk in the city late at night, call Public Safety to have them escort your way back home safely.

What to do for fun

Since Drexel is located in city of Philadelphia, there are many places to go for fun. There are art museum, zoo and other events in the city. There are also discounts for Drexel students.

Food and Dining

Dining Hall is little bit far away. I like how there are cooks to make some food for you in front of your eyes. There are also dinning dollars given but I wish there are more place in campus where they accept them.

Dorm Life

Although dorms in Drexel is known to be expensive, I like my dorm. I have four roommates in sweet room. As a freshman, having many roommates have been good to have more social interactions with each other. Also Drexel dorm is great place to get along with neighbors and RAs.

Academic Rigor

Although I have not experience many classes yet as a freshman, classes in Drexel is quite fair on grading. If you do class work, you are most likely to do well in classes. I have not experienced any rigorous assignments yet.

Tips for prospective students

I definitely encourage prospective students to apply to Drexel because the application fee is free when applied online. But be aware that Drexel is in quarter-based calender. Tremendous amount of work is neccesary because each quarter goes fast compared to semesters.

In three sentences

Since Drexel University is located in city of Philadelphia, there is no need of joining fraternity or sorority to get involved. Drexel has bright future with its co-op program espeacially when employment rate is low today. Drexel is also rising in its rank which demonstrates bright future with improved quality.

Maria from Atco, NJ

When I'm not too busy for school I like to go out into Center City to explore events and museums or just all around good places to eat.

Food and Dining

Personally, I don't prefer the food at Drexel's dining hall, but there are other on campus dining centers that are decent and there is a lot to choose from.

Dorm Life

Dorms are clean, nice sized, and well maintained, but Drexel can sometimes be overcrowded leading to triples in a double bed dorm.

Academic Rigor

Although Drexel is not as tough as say an Ivy League school, it can be very challenging according to your major.

Tips for prospective students

Don't overwhelm yourself with too many other student organizations your freshmen year as that is the hardest year becasue you are getting used to the atmosphere. Concentrate on school and meet new people for an awesome experience.

In three sentences

Drexel is a very expensive, but well worth it school. It features the co-op program for great work experience as well as excellent, accomplished professors and TAs to get you through your courses. The school is very diverse, so its easy to meet all kinds of people.

Join clubs and take advantage of the many different activities they offer, lounges, game rooms, watch television or movies, walk around an interesting and ever changing city, or the recreational center (It has a rock climbing wall!).

Food and Dining

Great, tons of different foods to choose from.

Dorm Life

I am a commuter, from what I have heard the dorm life is alright.

Academic Rigor

Large amount of work, but worth every moment of it.

Tips for prospective students

Keep on top of your work. Get involved with clubs to make your resume look good, it makes all the difference when it comes time for co-op. Remember all the hard work will be worth it.

In three sentences

Drexel is an awesome university with a great, diverse range of faculty and students. While it is a great school, it has a tough and fast paced curriculum. If someone chooses to go here, be prepared for a heavy work load, as well as an incredible experience.

Ariel

security getting into a building is great. and there are two police departments working around the campus.

Clubs and Activities

there are so many clubs that you can get involved in. And if there is not a club but you want to make it a club, its very easy to start one.

Food and Dining

there are a lot of great choses to chose from. the mai dining hallshas great choices. and there are others great places to choose from that are located everywhere.

Dorm Life

The some of the dorms are very nice and other can be horrible. getting into the buildings everyday can be a hassle but it leaves you feeling safe because no one can walk in by themselves. the dorms are close to the main buildings.

Academic Rigor

With the 10 week system you have to be on task of your grades will drop drastically.

Tips for prospective students

Don't forget your student id anytime. its one of the most important item to get around school campus.

In three sentences

Drexel has 10 week system that keep procrastinators on track. There is a tight security system to make students feel safe. Everyone on staff has the students interests in mind.

Jau-Ann from Omaha, NE

As a bio major, I still find the science courses challenging. But it is doable if you work hard.

Tips for prospective students

If you apply for the BS/MD program, make sure to prepare early for the application. It is much earlier than the regular deadline.

In three sentences

Drexel is well known for its co-op programs. However, I attended Drexel for its BS/MD program. This program gives students provisional acceptance to Drexel's med school. I highly recommend people considering medicine as a career to apply for this program.

Keira from Wyncote, PA

09/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

11 out of 11 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Excellent. Even though we're right on the cusp of West Philadelphia (notorious for its crime rate), I have never once felt unsafe on or around campus, even at night. I don't recommend going anywhere alone at night, though, but I think that's just common sense.

Greek Life

As with a lot of schools, Greek life seems to take over campus entirely sometimes. Which is fine if you're into that kind of thing, I guess...

Great for these types of students

Drexel really has a huge mish-mosh of people--a true melting pot.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

All our academic facilities are awesome, and we also have a state-of-the-art athletic center/gym open to all students, with group fitness, treadmills, free weights, machines, a lap pool, locker rooms, and even squash courts. That's a pretty popular place for people to go, especially because it's so easy (and for me, saying working out is easy is really something else). And if you walk around campus, you can tell--most people who attend Drexel are fit as a fiddle!

Bang for the buck

Drexel is, all expenses considered, one of the most expensive schools in the nation. If I were living on campus, for example, I would be paying $70,000 a year (before my scholarships, grants, loans, etc.). That is obviously absurd, no matter the quality of education and living I could be getting. I'm pretty certain the sudden increase in tuition is because of the new buildings being built right now--which, for future students, are going to be AWESOME, but by the time the buildings are done, I'll have graduated and moved on. So if I can't reap the benefits of the amazing new buildings they're building, why am I being charged for them? It just doesn't seem fair at all.

What to do for fun

Hang out in the dorms, take the subway into Center City (it takes like 15 minutes) to shop or sight see (there's TONS to see!), go over to Penn's campus (there's a fair-priced movie theater there!), go to a movie or event sponsored by the Campus Activities Board (CAB), go to one of the basketball games (the basketball teams are our athletic pride and joy), attend a concert either on-campus or off (Philly is well-known for its music scene and awesome venues).

Food and Dining

It's okay. I think they're making some strides to get better food on campus, but my problem is that they don't offer much organic or natural food, which I'm used to eating at home. I ended up getting sick pretty easily from the food there, but after a while I got used to it. It's not always great, but there are some dishes they serve there that I love.

Dorm Life

Freshman dorms are... interesting. The suite-style dorms are super nice, but most of the traditional dorms are old, gross, uninviting, and often plagued by a variety of bugs. I think that for the cost of living there, it's not worth it, but the dorm was where I made a lot of friends, so that was a plus.

Academic Rigor

It can be pretty tough. I for one was always working. I'm a graphic design student, and the design classes take up an absurd amount of time. But we learn a lot and get used to a heavy workload, which definitely prepares us for the real world.

Tips for prospective students

Work hard. Don't slack off. I know it seems obvious, but seriously--some of the classes only have a midterm and a final exam, no quizzes or homework in between. That seems like it would be awesome, of course, but when you get a bad grade on either of those exams, you're pretty much screwed.

In three sentences

Drexel pretty much excels in every subject, particularly art and science (engineering is what we're known for). However, the tuition is WAY too expensive for most people to afford, and Drexel is not a needs-meet college (meaning they'll accept you regardless of your financial situation, but they won't make absolutely certain you'll be able to afford it). For that reason, I often find myself frustrated with my school, even though I love it there; after all, it's not like it's an Ivy League, so why should I pay like it is?

Alecia from Ivyland, PA

08/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

Philadelphia is at your exposal. There are museums, parks, sporting events, the school also has year round activities to engage the students with. I personally love the gym, and all the recreational/athletic events they have to offer.

Food and Dining

The food options are a little limited. The university is trying to increase the nutritional options. The dining hall is decent, there is also a chick fil a and a taco bell, and a convent store, that can be used with their dining plans

Dorm Life

Dorm life is recommended. It allows you as a student to connect to the college community, and have time to develop friendships and experience the college life and activities that the university has to offer. There are many dorms to choose from and they come with roommate match making services

Academic Rigor

It is a challenging school, it's fast pass, but there is plenty of resources available to help you, as a student.

Tips for prospective students

Be ready for the expensive tuition. Drexel has a lot to offer, but it comes at a big price. Also if you plan on transferring, relies that it will be harder to do at Drexel, given that the school is trimesters.

In three sentences

Drexel university allows students to experience wide ranges of opportunities in all their majors, from research to work study to co ops. Being located in the city, and by being on an international level with its students it offers a range of diversity, which is also important in a students education. Overall Drexel is a campus that is developing and growing into a top university.

Sam from Chicago

The Civic Center was a great place to do work study. I really enjoyed working with the local schools and kids.

Great for these types of students

Engineering

Bang for the buck

There are $5 movie Wednesdays at the local theater. The metro and bus are the best ways to get to grocery stores. CVS drug store has great coupons and discounts on everything.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of campus activities and shows that Drexel arranges, like magicians, current singers, dramas, etc. They are great.

Food and Dining

Cafeteria food is best when parents are there. Breakfast is the best meal of the day. But you can take a lot of food back to the room so you can make sandwiches or take M&Ms from the sundae bar--use baggies. Lots of off campus places to eat.

Dorm Life

You will need a fan all year, the air conditioning stinks, and it gets hot and humid at least 3 seasons of the year. We had really good RAs who set up weekly pizza nights with other floors so we got to meet a lot more people that way.

Academic Rigor

Don't overload your credit hours. You want to give yourself a chance to earn high grades to place well for graduate studies also. Professors are serious about class attendance and you can flunk out for poor attendance. Some classmates flunked out because they were busy with civil demonstrations instead of attending class. Also, there are a lot of group projects and those students affected the group efforts.

Tips for prospective students

Use Dragon Dollars to eat at Subway, Taco Bell and Chick Fil A on campus--gift cards for these restaurants will not work at campus locations.

In three sentences

Drexel is on University Campus with Univ of Pennsylvania. The history and sociology courses are science-oriented, because it is a practical, technological campus.

Damie from Cincinnati, OH

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

Not as safe as your hometown, but there is a lot of security. So just travel in packs.

Greek Life

I have no idea

Clubs and Activities

Tons of clubs to join.

Great for these types of students

Intelligent, outgoing and talkative

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Since I haven't gone to school there yet, I don't have much to say.

What to do for fun

We are about an hour away from New York City . I would definitely call myself a city girl so I think you would be able to find all sorts of things to do while you're at Drexel.

Food and Dining

Since we are in the city, there are lots of places to eat.

Dorm Life

Dorm life during my high school years was not so bad. I had a bathroom that I shared with one roommate and we also had air conditioning and heating. At Drexel, I don't have the convenience of my own bathroom and it is very expensive too.

Academic Rigor

I think that it depends on what you want to get out of this school. It is all up to you.

Tips for prospective students

Check your e-mail consistently for updates and make sure you get your immunizations in on time.

In three sentences

I love the fact that it is possible to pay off our loans with the Co-op opportunity that Drexel has given us. Also with Co-op, we have more work experience and it looks very good on applications towards graduate school. Lastly, Drexel is a very diverse school and I love that we get to learn about so many different cultures.

Sean from Quakertown, PA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

This seems to be a primary concern. While visiting the campus, the local university security were very apparent on the campus.

Greek Life

There is a row of homes across from the dorms that houses most of the fraternities.

Clubs and Activities

They seem to have something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Engineering and Business Majors.

Bang for the buck

The Co-Op experience is really the most unique and best part of this school.

What to do for fun

You're in the city. If you can't find something fun to do, then there's no pleasing you.

Food and Dining

I've been told that the blue plan is definitely the most popular. While visiting we had lunch at the dining hall. Lots of choices and the food was great.

Dorm Life

I've been acceped into the business learning center which is located in Myers Hall. Its a group of 40 freshman business students who have an opportunity to work together and attend class together which I'm hoping will get me off to a good start.

Academic Rigor

Drexel University offers a great engineering and business program which I'm told is pretty rigerious.

Tips for prospective students

I would recommend if you have the opportunity visiting your first choice college a couple of times to really get a good feel for what to expect.

In three sentences

This university offers great city living where museums, concerts and sports events are only a stones throw away. The opportunity offered to students to work 6 months inbetween academics is also appealing both in terms of seeing if your chosen major is a good fit and to network prior to graduation. I would rate these areas as a high ten.

Adrian from Temple, PA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

Is this even a question? You are attending a college right in Philadelphia!

Food and Dining

Food around the city is awesome. Food provided by the school is decent, however some students might get Drexel dollars included in their meal plan to eat else where.

Dorm Life

Different options including suites and three-roomed dorms. Towers Hall has an easy to access bathroom with more than enough facilities to accommodate an entering class.

Academic Rigor

Not quite sure as of yet, however, friends of mine in the engineering major tell me it is hard. At Drexel they take education seriously and so should all who enter it's campus.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to walk everywhere. The city is beautiful to go take a look and see what it has to offer you.

In three sentences

I got the Drexel Glimpse when I attended the new student orientation. The Campus had fun things to do, interesting places to eat, but the best part is that everything from the library to the recreational center is a walk away. I am so excited to attend and experience an amazing college experience. Live it.

Sheryl from Colonia, NJ

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

The campus is very safe, and there are quick ways to access emergency services if there is ever a problem or even if one feels slightly unsafe.

Greek Life

There are a number of fraternities and sororities present at Drexel.

Clubs and Activities

There is a myriad of clubs and activities on campus--everyone will be able to find something that they are interested in.

Great for these types of students

Drexel is great for students who want a city experience but also want strong academic rigor.

Bang for the buck

Though Drexel is expensive because it is a private educational institution, the money is put into making the school better for everyone. For example, there is always construction to ensure that everything is up to date and convenient. In addition, the school offers a co-op program that pairs students with a work opportunity that is usually in the field that the student is majoring in. This allows the student to work for six months to get a complete experience, and the salary can go to help paying tuition.

What to do for fun

The city of Philadelphia is a historical city that has numerous things to do. From art museums to operas to sports games, there will be something for everyone to do for fun.

Food and Dining

The dining hall already offers several food options, and there are also other spots on campus to eat.

Dorm Life

Each dorm building is unique and has its own vibe to it. Most of the students at Drexel dorm and receive a full city college experience.

Academic Rigor

Drexel has very rigorous academics. Because the school runs on a trimester system, the students have ten weeks to complete an entire course; by the eleventh week, it's time for finals.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel is great for those who are looking for connections to a career right after graduation. The co-op program provides this. Also, there are several great programs that the school offers. In addition, it is a great school and located in the beautiful city of Philadephia.

In three sentences

Drexel University is dedicated to providing academic excellence and preparing students for successful futures. The institution provides a very diverse atmosphere that is perfect for the sharing of ideas. The rigorous fields of study at Drexel

Quarter system is FAST. So start studying hard and early or you won't make it.

In three sentences

Absolutely wonderful school for Engineering. So far i have really enjoyed the Quarter schedule instead of the traditional semester. I have also learned a tremendous amount of information from each class that i have taken.

Melissa from Miramar, FL

07/27/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

The are many thing to do at Drexel for all types of people. My idea of fun is simply hanging out with friends in the dorms and volunteering at the community shelter but every other weekend me and my friends like to go out and the night life is incredible. Also because drexel is close to other schools we get to socialize with students from upenn and temple.

Food and Dining

The food and dinning was surprisingly good. People automatically believe that the food will be gross just because it is provided by the school but the food is always hot, fresh, and well seasoned.

Dorm Life

The dorms are nice if you get the sweet style dorms in my opinion just because of the bathroom situation. i just don't like sharing a bathroom with the whole floor because its just seems awkward to brush you teeth in front of total strangers and defecate in stalls. Atleast with sweet style dorms, you only have to share a bathroom with one other person.

Academic Rigor

The work load is a lot because of the quarter system so as the officials at the school say, you have to het the ground running. there is not time to wait till last minute. if you rant prepared to work hard don't waste 44 thousand dollars on tuition.

Tips for prospective students

1. when you get an assignment do it right away because the term will end quickly and before you know it the finals are here and you have a paper due in latin. Have fun and enjoy the wonderful city.

In three sentences

Drexel University is extremely pricey but it is an amazing opportunity to live in the city of Philadelphia, gain an education, and get experience in your field. I recently attended the new student orientation and i was very pleased with what i saw. The student are very engaged to their learning and have such school spirit it is interesting to watch. The campus is nice and well kept even though there is construction always going on.

Julianna from Philadelphia, PA

07/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There is a campus safety number that texts the students when there is danger in the area. There is also an available phone number that can be called while on campus so that campus safety can walk you to your dorm.

Great for these types of students

Drexel is great for those that are hardworking, organized and truly passionate about their major. If you like a fast-paced environment with many assignments that will give you something to do in your free time, this is the school for you.

What to do for fun

There is a large gym and rec center with many activities during the week including zumba, kickboxing and yoga. Also many available volunteering programs that are general or relevant to your major to gain experience and have fun at the same time.

Food and Dining

There are many options when it comes to food at Drexel. It is located in downtown Philadelphia and there are many stores and restaurants located on campus.

Dorm Life

I myself have been commuting to Drexel but have many friends that dorm. The dorms are spacious and comforting, and it is easy to keep the area organized.

Academic Rigor

Many rigorous classes, but depends on instructors.

Tips for prospective students

Even if you think you are prepared, you are not! Make sure to keep up with all readings and small assignments throughout the quarter or you will fall behind. Make sure to always email the professors or TAs if you have questions; they are very friendly and helpful!

In three sentences

Attending Drexel University surrounds students in a fast-paced environment. With only ten weeks of classes per trimester, students are required to work harder to keep up with the work load. Overall a good college with many opportunities, but can be difficult to pass classes with an A or B.

Dyese from Neptune, NJ

There are safety officers everywhere on campus. Literally. As long as you aren't somewhere you know you aren't supposed to be then you will be perfectly fine.

Clubs and Activities

There are endless clubs and activities to participate in and if you don't find one that peaks your interest then starting one is just as easy.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is definitely worth the money. Not only because it offers co-op which is hands on training in your field, but the professors here truly care about their students and take the time to make sure that they are actually learning.

What to do for fun

Explore Center City Museums Clubs Greek Life Shopping Going out to eat... the opportunities are endless.

Food and Dining

A lot of people complain about the food here, but it could be a lot worse. The dining hall offered many different choices in the same so you weren't stuck having to eat one thing. There was also the plus that we had a Chik-fil-a, Subway, sushi place, and Currito right by the dorms; as well as a market place. There were also various places across campus where you could find delicious things to eat, as well as restaurants near by.

Dorm Life

I personally loved dorm life. I lived in Van Rensslear Hall, a suite style dorm and I found it to be extremely comfortable. It gives you space to be to yourself as well as provides the opportunity to make many friends. By the end of the year I knew everyone in the dormitory.

Academic Rigor

I won't beat around the bush, Drexel is a very difficult school if you are not disciplined. If you have good time management skills as well as the ability to work at a fast pace, then you should be fine.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to visit the school so you can decide whether you will be comfortable in the city. Also make sure to ask any questions you feel may be important. The guides are there to help you so utilize them and be proactive in finding out what you want to know, not what your parent want to know.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a great college that caters to people of all cultures and interests. If you are motivated and can adjust easily to a fast paced environment, then this is the place for you. Yes, it is expensive to attend college here but if you have the financial ability to pay then you will be greatly rewarded with the abundance of opportunities it presents. Also be sure to apply for co-op because it presents you with a great opportunity to see whether or not you field is the right on for you with hands on experience.

Alan from Reading, PA

07/18/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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What to do for fun

The fact that this university is located in the heart of Philadelphia speaks for itself. Students have many options including but not limited to shows, concerts, restaurants, shopping, and recreational activities. Students are encouraged to explore the city on their own or with friends during their first year at Drexel.

Food and Dining

Dining options range from Starbucks to Chick-fil-A to the Handschumacher Dining Hall. Meal plans allow students to choose from a variety of healthy meals during the week that are prepared by the talented dining hall staff.

Dorm Life

Students have the options of traditional dorm housing or suite-style housing as freshmen. The residence halls are well-maintained, safe, clean, and conveniently located near academic buildings, dining halls, and the library.

Academic Rigor

Drexel's programs of study are very academically rigorous. The university operates on a ten-week quarter system, so it is important for students to hit the ground running when it comes to school work. If a student is struggling, he or she must immediately make an effort to seek assistance from other students, staff, and professors. The co-op programs demand high levels of workplace competence and commitment.

Tips for prospective students

It is important that admissions sees an academically strong applicant made evident by grades, GPA, and high SAT scores. To supplement that, however, applicants must demonstrate competence by the participation in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, athletics, and work experience. A strong application essay is also carefully reviewed by admissions staff.

In three sentences

Drexel is a wonderful, career-oriented university located in the heart of bustling Philadelphia, PA. The programs at Drexel are tailored to fit the needs of students wishing to pursue a variety of degrees, especially in the areas of science and business. The co-op education program that Drexel offers is known worldwide and gives graduates a competitive edge when it comes to applying for employment after graduation.

Brandon from Fort Washington, PA

Campus safety is always patrolling and if you're ever worried you can alert them to your location at every block.

Greek Life

The Greek Life is great. No hazing and everyone is very friendly. Awesome parties

Clubs and Activities

Drexel's Clubs and Activities leave something to be desired but definitely kill time.

Great for these types of students

If you like homework and have a strong work ethic his university is for you. If you're a slacker, you may want to think twice.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The benches, everyone always gets in trouble at the benches.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is a very expensive university so if you have the money its for you, otherwise you may struggle to pay on time.

What to do for fun

There are plenty of things to do around the city at night and everyone is always outside playing some sort of sport.

Food and Dining

The Hans is great for eating everyday. Drexel also has a variety of food trucks and other fast food restaurants all over campus.

Dorm Life

Everyone in the dorms are friendly and most of all they're safe. Security scans every time you go inside.

Academic Rigor

The professor's definitely work you hard, but as long as you keep up to date with studying and homework, Drexel won't be too tough. You also learn a great deal.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to look for books online Look at reviews of teacher before picking classes Do your homework, otherwise you won't do well

In three sentences

The University gives you many opportunities to further yourself from the average college student. Not only is the workload higher than other universities, it also gives you the opportunity to go on Co-op and work for 18 months in your field before you graduate. Drexel prepares for not only for your work-field, but the rest of your life ahead of you.

Pauline from Prospect Park, PA

Safety is the number one priority and there is college guards and police to provide safety.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Not so much on campus but Philadelphia has the Mummer's parade every New Year's and has a great Welcome America for fourth of July.

What to do for fun

The city offers the arts, theater, sporting events, and many parks.

Tips for prospective students

There is a lot of diversity and many social clubs and activities for all cultures. It is a very friendly environment.

In three sentences

Drexel University offers degrees in all areas which makes it a very desirable school to attend. The location is in area of the city that you have access to everything. Drexel University is a state of the art college and give it the highest rating possible.

Michael from Los Altos, CA

I play video games with Drexel's super fast internet and occasionally walk around the main city with friends.

Food and Dining

The best food on campus is the cafeteria, however the first time eating there after a long time will make you sick most of the time.

Dorm Life

Loud and noisy and the dorms aren't very good, however most colleges are like that.

Academic Rigor

Not particularly hard, however depending on the teacher they can be very picky and always assign mountains of work.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that you are very good with time management, if you are in a design major like myself, you will be pulling many all-nighters.

In three sentences

Drexel is a large school on the outskirts of center city, also known as Univeristy City. There are many colleges in the area along with activities to keep you occupied when your not in classes. Classes are pretty good, however many of the teachers are graduate students.

Thomas from Pine Hill, NJ

07/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

West Philadelphia may not sound like the safest area to be living in (which it isn't, to be honest), but Drexel University has ensured the safety of all of its students living on-campus. No matter where you are standing on campus, you can easily spot at least one blue light indicating an emergency button that calls the police and Campus Safety immediately. Furthermore, there are always Campus Safety officers riding around on their bicycles whether they are from Drexel or the adjacent school, University of Pennsylvania.

Greek Life

While I do not believe that Drexel is particularly known for Greek Life, it is alive and well here. I am not a part of it myself, but within the first few months of freshmen year, many people that I know joined right away (and I personally have never heard any rejections or severe hazing stories). The Greek Life houses are located right next to all the dorms as well, so they're not far off-campus at all. Their participation in student life seems to be very prominent.

Clubs and Activities

While I'm not the biggest participant in clubs and activities, I am very aware of how many my university offers. I, myself, am a part of the Drexel Sierra Student Coalition, an environmental club that strives to even further improve our already green campus lifestyles. Clubs range from non-contact sports to martial arts, yoga to zumba, intercultural and religion-based, etc.

Great for these types of students

Drexel is known to be a great engineering school, but from what I've seen, it seems to welcome with open arms students of any discipline. It takes them all very seriously.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Like I said before, Drexel is in the heart of Philadelphia, a major city. No major city is complete without a convoy of food trucks rolling down the street (or staying parked in one spot for the rest of time). The main campus is no exception, and it's like a surprise every day to see which food trucks will be parked next to the dorms this week or that week. A campus-wide favorite would have to be Insomnia Cookies: a truck that sells giant, always melty-warm cookies all day and night (well, until midnight now). I personally loved the grilled cheese truck and Lucky Old Souls organic burger truck as well.

Bang for the buck

In my opinion, I would have spent nearly anything to attend Drexel University, and I especially say that now because it really does feel like a true home to me, not to mention the multitude of educational opportunities it has such as studying abroad, co-ops, co-ops abroad, research projects, and many more. However, it is a rather expensive school no matter which way you look at it. One way that I prefer to look at it though is that if I'm spending this much money on this school, I'm going to use that price to motivate me to get the most out of it as possible.

What to do for fun

If you're looking for something fun to do outside of campus, this is easily the best place to be. Drexel University's Main Campus is right in the middle of the city of Philadelphia. As long as you have the internet to look up where certain places are, you won't be bored with attractions such as the country's first zoo, various museums for everyone, hidden parks throughout the city, sports games, and plenty of restaurants to get some real food at.

Food and Dining

Freshmen year meant that everyone had to purchase a dining plan which consisted of a combination of visits to the Dining Center and money that can be spent only at certain dining locations on campus such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Taco Bell, etc. It doesn't sound that bad to begin with (which it wasn't), but after a few months or so, people start to get sick of fast food and mediocre dining center food all the time. Then again, what do you expect from a college dining center?

Dorm Life

I absolutely loved my freshmen dorm. I lived in the newest building on campus, but a beautiful structure had nothing to do with my experience. It was the people with whom I lived. In my dorm, floors were separated by gender, but my floor was like a large family of brothers anyway. Some people didn't get along obviously, but most of us did, and we looked out for each other. We had a lounge that was more like a living room because of the way we hung out and ate together there. It all depends on with whom you live and where you live though.

Academic Rigor

The difficulty of the courses mostly depends on the student's major. However, this does not mean that one major will have all easy courses for 4 or 5 years nor does it mean that another major will have purely difficult ones. Some majors start off difficult then ease off to determine who is truly willing to fully pursue it. Others start off slow, but get harder as the academic career moves forward. Ultimately, the student decides how easy or difficult their academic life will be, but they are also the ones determining how much they are going to get out of this institution.

Tips for prospective students

I would simply suggest that this school is not for those who do not wish to try hard in life. Drexel does not work in semesters; it works in 10-week quarters which means the work is gone through very quickly but nothing is missed. On the positive side of this, students also get to experience a greater variety of courses more often but only as long as they're willing to work for it.

In three sentences

Drexel University has become something for me that I cannot describe with any other word but home. No matter where I am on campus, I feel safe and happy. This comfortable feeling of belonging is only amplified by the fact that its rigorous yet fun, fast yet well-paced set of courses are always keeping me on my toes in my education.

Yaya from Mitchellville, MD

07/10/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Campus Safety

Drexel is a pretty safe school, although i've received a bunch of security alerts through text (students are made to add their numbers to the campus security list when they first come, to get alerts) i've never been near, or a part of any danger. campus security is placed throughout the campus and in the proximity of the campus if help is ever needed.

Greek Life

drexel has a whole street dubbed greek row where drexel's greek life is housed. even if your sorority/fraternity isn't on campus, there are other schools in the area that might have what you're looking for that are affiliated with drexel.

Clubs and Activities

because of the diversity of student interests, there are a bunch of clubs and activities for you to join whether your interests pertain to your vocal capabilities, nationality, intended major, dancing, stepping, art...basically anything you can think of. there are always students promoting their clubs and activities as well as they are all easy to find on the college portal.

Great for these types of students

students who love to explore - the city is like a walking playground. students who love city life without having to live directly in the city. fast paced thinkers - pick up information and lessons fast. most classes will be with a bunch of students in lecture halls. students are social/love being around other people - drexel is a big school and right next to penn state and close to a couple other schools. there are always students around, and out and about.

Bang for the buck

drexel isn't worth how much you have to pay to attend. there's an exception though, if you have the money to attend and want to, go ahead, if not, drexel isn't worth having to struggle to pay for the school and by chance hurting your credit score.

What to do for fun

parties (frats and sororites frequently have these, although most if not all are private for them and close friends) BUT, walking around on a thursday through the weekend, and you'll definitely find something for your taste level. penn frequently has events and parties as well as students who live off campus. if you wanna find something, just ask and you'll be bound to. go out - there are many events in the city as well as restaurants and shopping if you just wanna have a night on the town with your friends. Sometimes, my friends and i wouldn't feel like going out, so we would just round up our friends and have mini parties, game nights, or movie nights in the dorm.

Food and Dining

since drexel is in the city, there are many food options available if you don't want to eat on campus. sites such as grubhub.com pull up a variety of good restaurants and places to eat and be delivered to anywhere as well as a variety of places/food trucks within walking distance from anywhere around the school

Dorm Life

dorm life puts you right in the mix of things and is close to everywhere you need to go on campus. I'm a bit biased because from when I became a student, I lived in suite-style housing (complete with a kitchen, common room, as well as a half bathroom and a full bathroom) so my experience is different from those who live in traditional housing. although, living in traditional housing helps you to come into contact/interaction with more students therefore making new friends and connections. don't sell out of campus housing though, most students who don't want to pay a lot of money to live in dorm/wanna cut down their costs live off campus. apartments are easy to find once you look into them and are fairly cheap and close to campus.

Academic Rigor

Rigor at drexel varies from student to student. there are students who are very academically focused and have amazing grades as well as students who struggle. thing is, if you need/are looking for help, all you have to do is ask. teachers won't run to you. you have to contact your professors or ask for additional help or speak of your interests in tutoring to get the help you need. work load depends on your major. Some have a much heavier work load from engineering students, to art majors - interior design, architecture, graphic design etc. while other majors have lighter work loads/more free time such as business majors. there are also majors that have work loads in between the 2.

Tips for prospective students

Although you might be excited by the city life and want to do anything and everything socially wise, STAY FOCUSED on your studies. It's fairly easy to get distracted if you don't stay focused and be proactive (pro-activeness is VERY IMPORTANT. if you focus on your assignments during the week and way before deadlines, you'll have more time to be social without the stress of doing work last minute.) GET INVOLVED. The college experience is what you make it. Being in the city and surrounded by so many people and activities, be a apart of something. it most times makes school less stressful and more fun. NETWORK. advantages of living in a city is that there are people everywhere. part of the uniqueness of drexel is that you get a chance to work in your field during school. go to additional lectures and meet people working in your field. collect business cards. keep in contact. let your face and name be known. you'll thank yourself later when it comes time to apply for co-op jobs and you already know business people/people in your field. TAKE TIME OUT TO EXPLORE. outside of drexel, philly is big on the arts. take the shuttle into center city. go see a show. try a new restaurant. do the things that make philly, philly. you don't want to leave school not having seen or done anything outside of the campus.

Priya from Chalfont, PA

The campus safety staff are always riding around campus and offering advice to students on how to be safe. Also, the safety alert texts inform the students about any dangerous areas/events.

Great for these types of students

Students who love challenges and a fast-paced, diverse environment would most enjoy Drexel's campus.

Bang for the buck

Drexel University is known for it's overly priced tuition and dorm rates.

What to do for fun

There is always a lot going on campus from sport games to activities to job fairs, etc. Also, outside of campus there is many historical sites to be visited and much shopping/dining to do!

Food and Dining

The main dinning hall, Hans, has shorter hours but the staff is precise in making sure the food is well prepared before served. The options for vegetarians are also labeled correctly to prevent any misunderstandings. The other options for food, Northside, are more expensive and can get tiring.

Dorm Life

The triples housing in one of the dorm halls, Towers Residential Hall, was very difficult to situate. Also, the pricing for living on campus is too high for the space and accommodations provided.

Academic Rigor

Being one of the most prestigious colleges, especially for Engineering, the class room setting is very rigorous and challenging. However, achieving good grade is not impossible, just takes a lot of hard work.

Tips for prospective students

Due to the location of the campus being in the heart of Philadelphia, it is important for all students to follow the safety instructions advised by the campus security staff.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a diverse and fast-paced campus being located in the heart of Philadelphia. Although it's prestige is traditional, it's learning techniques are modern. The staff and students are all helpful in achieving the most effective and fruitful college experience.

Crystle from Cheltenham, PA

Campus is secure there are a lot of security officers out walking the premises all the time.

Great for these types of students

Very diverse area so is great for all type of students

Bang for the buck

The school is expensive and when you are not getting any help from anyone and your financial aid does not cover it all then it can become pretty stressful so make sure you plan, plan, plan!

What to do for fun

university City has plenty of things to do and places to go so you will never run out of things to do for ffun

Food and Dining

Pretty good area to relax and take your mind off of work and school

Tips for prospective students

Stay on top of your financial aid and make sure you keep up with classes especially if you are taking classes online like I am.

In three sentences

Very good school offering great classes and a welcoming atmosphere. Its a little hard to get in contact with your advisors at times but they eventually respond. The school is pretty expensive but if you apply for scholarships and make payment arrangements then you should be good.

Christy from Philadelphia, PA

In addition to on-campus options, there are many inexpensive and trendy food carts on campus.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved, well rounded students are more successful

In three sentences

Drexel is an excellent University in the heart of Philadelphia. The co-op program provides real life experience that makes students competitive in the market and provides them with the tools for success. The professors are top rate and experts in their field.

There are groups clubs and city night life. I am always getting invites even though I'm a online student.

Tips for prospective students

Read the mission statement of your school and the program your are interested in before applying to schools

In three sentences

As a online student you can do everything a regular student can. From checking books out from the library, tutoring, and student success seminars. It's great! The instructors are very knowledgeable & accessible.

Alexis from Myrtle Beach, SC

06/22/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Drexel Campus has their own city police that are posted at Drexel. Official Philadelphia police that will transport or guide you to and from any of the University City campuses no matter the hour. They're are emergency posts on just about every corner and cameras located to make sure you get to your destination undisturbed in the late night hours.

Greek Life

Greek Life is a big part of Drexel. There is always somethign Greek going on that everyone can participate in.

Clubs and Activities

There are tones of clubs and intramural sports to be a part of ranging from chess to rugby (both mens and womens) to concrete rowing and on to Quidditch!

Great for these types of students

If you love the city Drexel really is the place for you. Located directly in University City, Drexel has both Temple and UPenn right next door. There is always something to do and you will never be bored.

Bang for the buck

The proce at Drexel is OUTRAGEOUS! If they didn't have such a fantastic Co-Op plan almost none of the students would have gone there. If you have the money by all means go but if you don't. . . try to get as many scholarships as you can because they don't like giving out financial aid.

What to do for fun

There are tons of concerts that the school brings featuring Snoop Dogg and Chitty Bang and other big and up and coming artists. The school also sponsers trips to ski resorts and other such outings. Remember Drexel is located in the city so basically there is a world at your fingers to explore, go explore it!

Food and Dining

Northside is the campus hangout that features a Subway, Chick-fil-A, market and Currito (burrito place). The Hans isn't so bad either but hardly anyone will tell you that when asked! Just take my advice!

Dorm Life

It really is fun. Even with the annoying things floormates and even dormmates can do you meet a lot of people that you might not have ever met living off campus.

Academic Rigor

Because Drexel works on a trimester system classes are only 10 weeks long. Go to class! Midterms are in week 3 and 7 if you don't pay attention you'll get left behind.

Tips for prospective students

From the start maintain your grades! With Drexel's fast pace midterms are in the 3rd week!

In three sentences

Awesome Co-Op program. Rigorous pace but completely worth it. Drexel is a fast paced academic school and you have to be ready for all of the exams!!

Brian from Saugerties, NY

There are public safety officers and police officers patrolling the campus 24/7.

Clubs and Activities

There are all kinds of sports clubs and professional clubs on campus. Everyone can find something.

Great for these types of students

Students that are very work-driven will thrive here. The co-op gives students a great opportunity to sample some practical use of their education. Students who have a lot of practical skill with thrive here.

Bang for the buck

Being a research institution, many of the professors are there to research, not teach. However they have to teach, mandated by the university. This makes for some professors who only care about their research and put very little effort into their teachings. While this is far from always the case, you will definitely come across a teacher of this type in your time at Drexel. However, I do believe the Co-op program far offsets the negatives. I have had 3 great co-ops and feel much more prepared for the real world than most of my friends at other universities.

What to do for fun

The city of Philadelphia always has something fun to do. There are countless restaurants, museums, and sights. The stadiums and arena for the Philadelphia sports teams are just a subway ride away and are always a good time. Drexel offers the students a lot of activities to take part in for fun. Everyday there is some kind of sporting event put on by the intramural staff at Drexel.

Food and Dining

The food is not worth the cost. If you pay cash for everything instead of purchasing a meal plan it is much cheaper. I still do not think the food is worth the price. Better off learning how to cook yourself.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is what you make of it. I had a great experience living in the dorms and ended up living in an apartment with a few people I met on my floor in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

Most of the classes are highly demanding, however there are some that are supposed to be important but don't require a lot of work. This is mostly because the professor doesn't ask for as much out of the students as they probably should.

Tips for prospective students

Take the co-op process as seriously as possible. You never know who you will run into during interviews or while on the job. While it is just considered an internship, companies who hire you will mostly pay careful attention to your work ethic and effort.

In three sentences

The opportunities presented by Drexel are great and abundant. You have to want to be successful in order to succeed here. The preparation for the real world is unsurpassed.

Lots to do... Basektball, volley-ball, rock-climbing facilities...intramural games, league sports, restaurants & bars, chapel, major shopping in the area...near the expressway and 15 minutes to all important city-points.

Food and Dining

Food tastes horrible.

Dorm Life

Excellent facilities (if you can get them).

Academic Rigor

Core courses are no more challenging than at any other school. Discipline specific courses are quite rigorous.

Christopher from Downingtown, PA

06/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Philadelphia is a great place for fun especially with all the historic aspects of it and the monuments/buildings. Center city is a great place to go and have fun and if your a girl its a great place to shop. Overall there are plenty of fun things to do in the city.

Food and Dining

The food in the dining hall can be both great and bad, it all depends what you are in the mood for. Most of the time the food is awesome and you can eat as much as you want. The lunch trucks are awesome no matter which one that you go to.

Dorm Life

Meet a lot of great people that are in the same position as you where you live. The RA's are all great and work with the residents and help them with whatever they need. Everywhere is nice and clean, no sanitary problems.

Academic Rigor

The weeks fly by quick and the work load is piled on at times. The teachers are very understandable and work with the students as much as they can. High risk brings great reward.

Tips for prospective students

Time management is a must while studying and completing homework. You meet many great people so I suggest coming here. The city is a great place to live and everywhere you want to go is only walking distance away.

In three sentences

Drexel is an amazing schoool and the teachers are very well educated. They teach you unbelievable and fascinating material. They teach you what you need to know for the future to become successful.

There's a restaurant in our gym.. and it has some of the best food I've ever had.

What to do for fun

There's SO much to do. Philly is an amazing city to explore. There's Penn's Landing, The Liberty Mall, and so much to do in center city.

Food and Dining

It's definitely gotten better over the years and now I actually willingly pay to go to the dining hall (I'm not on a meal plan).

Dorm Life

The year I lived in a dorm, Towers Hall was still only 2 people to a room so I had an incredible experience. I haven't been in any of the dorms since then to know what they're like now.

Academic Rigor

They make sure you earn your degree.

Tips for prospective students

Apply for outside scholarships. Also, don't judge the campus based on how it looks; it still has a lot to offer. Lastly, stay focused. Philly is an easy city to get distracted there so never forget that you're primarily there for school.

In three sentences

It's a very good school, however, it's VERY expensive. The construction going on can get a bit annoying to deal with but the end results will definitely be worth it. As much as I find fault with it, I absolutely love it there and would never even consider transferring out.

Caroline from Drexel Hill, PA

Public safety patrols Drexel's campus and the surrounding area 24/7. You can even hire a walking escort to walk you home late at night if you feel unsafe.

Greek Life

Greek life is definitely a part of Drexel, but not a very big part.

Clubs and Activities

Drexel is a division one school, so its basketball team is very big on campus. Games are really fun to go to, and the DAC Pack is its official cheering team.

Great for these types of students

Because Drexel is known as an engineering and technology school, it definitely caters to that crowd

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Drexel Park, located one block off campus has an amazing view of Center City and is a great location for doing homework on a nice day or having a picnic.

Bang for the buck

Drexel Is a great school, but I regret my decision to go here solely because of the high cost of tuition. I will be paying my college debt off for the rest of my life.

What to do for fun

Drexel's Campus Activities Board plans a lot of fun events like free movie screenings and trips to see Broadway musicals. There are also a lot of non-Drexel affiliated events that happen throughout the City almsot every weekend. For exampl, on the first Friday of every month, Old City has art galleries open late and local artist selling their artwork along the sidewalks. There are also a lot of concert venues in the city such as The Electric Factory, The TLA, and The Union Transfer. If students are looking to stay in the University City area, there are dozens of restaurants nearby as well as a movie theater a few blocks away.

Food and Dining

The food is average for a college dining hall. It's fine for a year, but gets old pretty quickly. Luckily, Trader Joe's and Fresh Grocer are nearby.

Dorm Life

Drexel housing, like most universities, is ridiculously overpriced. However, I highly recommend living on campus the first year instead of commuting. All of the freshman dorms are in close proximity to each other, and they are in the process of building more to accommodate the high number of new students.

Academic Rigor

Freshman engineering students are expected to take between 7-9 classes. When applying to co-op jobs you are expected to plan your job applications and interviews around your class schedule, and the six month gap between classes and work can be a rough adjustment.

Tips for prospective students

I knew Drexel was an expensive school, but the impact of that didn't quite hit me until I had attended for a year. Many fellow students have dropped out solely because of the cost, and I have to work two jobs to help my parents with the bills.

In three sentences

Drexel is the perfect fit if you're looking to go to school in the city. It is close to UPenn, Center City, South Street, and Northern Liberties, so there is always something to do. The co-op program allows you the experience you need for your resume as well as providing you with free time to explore all the city has to offer.

Kelly from Ridley Park, PA

There are so many places to go around Drexel, on campus and in the city of Philadelphia. Public transportation makes it easy to go to Phillies games and south street.

Food and Dining

The food is actually really good. You can use your dining dollars for some great places around campus.

Dorm Life

Some dorms are better than others, particularly the honors dorm.

Academic Rigor

Drexel has challenging classes, but they are definitely doable.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to work hard. There is definitely fun things to do in Philadelphia but you need to know how to balance fun and studies. Be open to meeting new people.

In three sentences

Drexel is a school that integrates many different ethnicities and talents in their education and extra curricular activities. There is something for everyone to get involved in, from dance to finance groups to volunteer groups. The atmosphere is welcoming and people are always eager to help.

Mi from Trevose, PA

There are walking escorts as well as public safety people on patrols. Police and other departments are very efficient. Despite Drexel's location, I personally have not seen a crime with my own eyes.

Greek Life

Drexel is certainly not lacking in Greek Life. Information on greek life as well as fraternities and sororities can be found here: http://www.drexel.edu/studentlife/fsl/

Clubs and Activities

Drexel has pretty much everything but sadly, no fencing club. This is where you can find the current directory of all clubs and activities. https://drexel.collegiatelink.net/

Great for these types of students

Drexel has a great commuter and transfer program that welcomes people and makes them feel at ease. All majors and all types of students can find something at Drexel that will fit with their interests.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

This, you will have to find out once you've been there. Just keep in mind that the orientation people love to fool you into following traditions that doesn't exist.

Bang for the buck

If you want to save on lunch money, the lunch trucks are the best option. Many options and varieties are available for reasonable prices. However, overall Drexel can be pretty expensive.

What to do for fun

What you can do is join Drexel's many clubs and student organizations. There are also parties every weekend if you know where to find them. Since Drexel is very conveniently located, it is easy to simply get a taxi and go into the city for nights of fun. Penn's ice skating rink is also within walking distance.

Food and Dining

Many options are available and within walking distance including the dining hall, creese cafe, taco bell, subway's, chick-fil-a, and others such as the Korean restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and a Thai restaurant.

Dorm Life

The dorms are somewhat small and since Drexel has been accepting many students, it is also getting cramped. However, the RA's are very nice and all resources are available so it is a pretty decent dorming experience.

Academic Rigor

Academics at Drexel is very tough and challenging and it only gets worse as you continue. Freshman year is by-far the easiest. However, this really depends on your major.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to prioritize things and do not procrastinate because with Drexel's quarter system, things pile up very fast. Try to balance academic life with dorm life and not let your life be dominated by one aspect of college education. Furthermore, remember to relieve your stress every once in a while because Drexel can be overwhelming at times. Most importantly, get rid of the high school lazy attitude.

In three sentences

Drexel may not be beautiful to look at since it is located in the heart of Philadelphia; however, it is not lacking in resources, activities, or dining options. Drexel has a demanding curriculum with a fast-paced schedule that will challenge any and all students. One of the best things about Drexel is its co-op program which will enable students to make connections and obtain job experiences that will advance their careers.

Any kind of student; especially students who like the city life....... YAY PHILLY!!!!!!!

What to do for fun

We go bowling and we love playing the Wii, oh and don't forget the board games.

Food and Dining

Food is good and affordable, and another great thing you can get dragon dollars loaded onto your university id to eat at local restaurants.

Dorm Life

I have the best roommate, and be sure to clean the bathroom when you're done, remember you are sharing.

Academic Rigor

In the beginning it may seem tough, but if you study and take good notes it'll come easy to you.

Tips for prospective students

Don't rush or try to overdue things. Never turn in assignments late and make the best out of your college experience.

In three sentences

Drexel is a great school because it gives you the option of online or traditional classes. The teachers are patients and they have the experience in the field you are majoring in. The school is just plain awesome and the people are great.

Tisha from Farmingville, NY

They're phenomenal and always do their job. Except the ones that publicly and shamelessly hit on young students in the street.

Greek Life

Mostly white. Very involved in helping the community out. Fabulous houses to live in on campus. They say there is no hazing but there definitely is within some fraternities.

Clubs and Activities

Hundreds of clubs, and it's easy to start your own. I haven't found anything for Business Law students yet, but I will. I appreciated that they have lots of activities and culture-based clubs like WISE to join.

Great for these types of students

Ambitious, social, entrepreneurial, and more importantly focused students will do exceptional things here.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Erin Express, Landmark American Bar and Grill

Bang for the buck

If I knew how much money I'd be spending over the course of my 5 years at Drexel I would have probably stay in state for college. How much financial aid they give out to students in general is pitiful.

What to do for fun

There are hundreds of clubs to join. Greek life is very involved. Drexel's not big on minority fraternities or sororities though. Anyone who would want to join say, AKA, would have to go to the University of Pennsylvania campus for events and chapter. Rave Motion Picture Theater, volleyball court open for all, and also lots of bars around for of age individuals.

Food and Dining

We have a lot of choices for dining at Drexel. There are a lot of lunch trucks all over campus so it does add some diversity. It has been proven that they put laxatives in our food from the main dining hall though...

Dorm Life

Maintenance barely clean bathrooms to satisfaction of students. Dorm rooms do all have their own air conditioner and heater. Not always light available in rooms, so I had to buy a lamp along with more than 60% of my dorm. Security is good though

Academic Rigor

Your freshman year is the most important to get your GPA up with general required classes. Time management is always key. They teach you very quickly to keep up with your email for the best opportunities available on campus.

Tips for prospective students

Please be mentally prepared for the workload if you are a science major. Have a really good idea of what you want to major in because it is not easy to change after your freshman year. Live off campus after freshman year to save money.

In three sentences

Being a current student I rate Drexel a 3 out of 5. They make it difficult to obtain financial aid and misuse the money they receive. The overall experience of living in a major historical city is amazing and they more than prepare you for the workplace.

Austin from Hellertown, PA

05/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Drexel campus safety is quite honestly top notch. Walking escorts are always available and you can even get a walking escort through UPenn's campus and the College of Arts and Sciences campuses. Blue light stations and safety patrols are everywhere and the dorms have a security desk manned by safety officers at night. Key cards are required to get into dorms. Top notch.

Greek Life

Decent, about 10% greek, I never got into it but my friends like it.

Clubs and Activities

300+ student activities. I'm serious. You can do anything.

Great for these types of students

Engineers, Business majors, Education majors, I would honestly recommend this school to anyone, as long as you can afford it. Drexel also really helps foster an independent spirit in its students, it really lets you be responsible for your own education while providing help if you need it.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Ross commons is a beautiful lounge space, the Hagerty library is a good study spot, and sabrina's cafe has some of the most amazing breakfast around. Food trucks are delicious and affordable. Happy Sunshine Lunch Truck has the best breakfast sandwiches for the money!

Bang for the buck

Amazing. Coop real world work experience and networking is a huge plus. Accelerated degree programs can save you almost $100,000. You actually get to take more classes for the same price because of the ten week term. However, it is expensive, though scholarships can cover half of your tuition, and coop also helps.

What to do for fun

300+ student activities leave no shortage of anything to do. There are also many free events in the city (the Kimmel center has free shows almost every saturday).

Food and Dining

The Handschumacher dining center is pretty decent. They have a pretty big variety, but they tend to make one kind of food per meal (pork day, rice day, just served up in a lot of different ways). There is also Northside Dining center, which offers Chik-fil-a, Currito, Subway, and the convenience store style market.

Dorm Life

The dorms are pretty good. Millennium hall is fantastic for floor bonding, and suite style living in the other buildings can get you good friends for life. Free laundry is a big plus. Many people go off campus after their first year or two.

Academic Rigor

The ten week term schedule Drexel uses makes classes challenging and fast paced, and you get to take more classes for your money.

Tips for prospective students

Do the three coop option, and if you are interested, apply for B.S./M.S. or other accelerated degree programs. Keep on top of your work, the ten week terms go by very fast!

In three sentences

This University offers a great education and fantastic opportunities. It is very easy to bulk up your resume with activities and hands on undergraduate research. Coop (real world work experience) is a major plus because it helps mitigate the costs, especially for engineers.

Hernandez

The classes now and those to be added are, again, vast. So many should be prepared to put in the hours that will push students to do their best.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure that you are ready to tackle the courses. This is not a school that will just let one slide. In my opinion, they are strict, so know how to time manage and yet be aware that there are individuals available that will help.

In three sentences

The school has a vast majority of programs that have made attending a real joy. It's in a great location, fantastic personnel and fellow students, all of which continues to push me to do better. Also the co-op opportunities are just incredible.

Kimberly from Lodi, CA

Call public safety at any hour to get a walking escort to any location, or find a public safety officer on the street and ask for a walking escort, they are generally pretty friendly.

Greek Life

Alpha sigma alpha is Drexel's oldest Greek organization and not your typical sorority, but so much more! :)

Great for these types of students

Big city lovers, students from wealthy families, prospective engineering students.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

It is unusual that Philadelphia's main road curves directly through the center of campus.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is too expensive, plain and simple.

What to do for fun

Join clubs, apply for work study, explore the city of brotherly love!

Food and Dining

You'll get sick of the Hans and other campus dining options fast. So you must love to cook.

Dorm Life

I lived in a suite for two years. Much better than traditional dorm life.

Academic Rigor

If you love what your doing, the classes shouldn't be too difficult

Tips for prospective students

Do your research on your major at Drexel as well as at other schools. Research is key to finding a school that is right for you.

In three sentences

Drexel University offers alot for their students academically and extra-curicular. However, they accept too many students and financial aid is very difficult to get in contact with at certain times of the year. There is an overall lack of communication in the university as a whole.

Dragon

03/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Drexel was rated 6th safest campus in the nation last year. We also have access to UPenn's public safety and they were rated in the top 4 safest campuses. We also have a 24/7 walking escort service. I think that our campus is very safe and I've never felt in danger here.

Greek Life

The way I like to put Greek life is this: If you are part of Greek life, it's a big deal. If you aren't, it's not. This is not the kind of school where you'll be a loner and loser if you aren't part of Greek life. However, if you are, it can help you to find your best friends, you get to help others by doing community service, and you have a philanthropy that you do fun events to raise money for. Drexel's Greek life really tries to get involved on campus as much as possible, so if you are affiliated, you'll always have something to do.

Clubs and Activities

We really have something for everyone here. We have religious organizations, multicultural organizations, you can get involved in the student newspaper, our tv or radio stations, the campus activities board, performing arts, etc. Whatever you're interested in, you can either find it already here on campus, or start a new club for it.

What to do for fun

Get involved. Join intramural teams or a book club or Greek life. It really helps with making friends who are like you and gives you something to do. Something to do for fun besides getting involved on campus is exploring the city of Philadelphia. There's a lot of museums and shows you can go to with student discounts. Theres also cool restaurants and shopping in center city, which is close enough to walk to, but you can also take SEPTA, which is the public transportation system.

Food and Dining

The food is okay, we have a lot of places on campus to use dining dollars. I suggest getting the Blue dining plan, which gives the most amount of dining dollars. The Hans (our dining hall) is okay, but it's really boring to go there all the time.

Dorm Life

The dorms are just typical college dorms, nothing special. They're not horrendous horror story worthy places, but they aren't fancy hotels either. Most people really like the suites because you don't have to share your bathroom and kitchen with your whole floor, but the traditional style dorms aren't too bad because you get to know everyone on your floor. It can be hard to know people on your floor if you have suites because there isn't a common room that everyone shares.

Academic Rigor

You definitely work hard here, but it's worth it. I truly feel as though I've learned a lot in my time here at Drexel and I like knowing that my teachers have actually worked in their field of study so they know what they're talking about.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel isn't for everyone. Make sure you like the urban environment and can keep up with the coursework required of those on quarter systems. Come take a campus tour and ask lots of questions. The tour guides are current students, so you can really get their perspective on everything that goes on at Drexel.

In three sentences

Drexel is challenging because of the quarter system. However, the academics are really great and co-op is such a great opportunity. Many co-ops are paid and it helps to have job experience on your resume before you even graduate.

alias

It is just like any other campus. Also, don't put yourself in danger and expect yourself to be safe, campus safety can only go so far.

Clubs and Activities

Many choices, and if its not there you can always create your own.

Great for these types of students

If you want to get things done, tho is the school for you.

Bang for the buck

It is a highly expensive school, however, a high percentage of students do get jobs after graduation which is a big factor for many students currently because of how the economy has been lately. Also, I heard many companies that hire these students pay off their debts immediately.

What to do for fun

It is Philadelhpia, there is always something fun to do whether inside or outside of the campus.

Food and Dining

There is a pretty good variety of food!

Dorm Life

They are commendable.

Academic Rigor

It is a bigger university compared to smaller colleges however, once into your focus of your major the courses get more difficult but the teacher to student ratio is much better.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you know your financial situation before going in. Just make sure you have enough financial aid to support as much as possible.

In three sentences

Drexel has many highly looked upon curriculums for the many different majors. There are many opportunities to be involved in the student committees. Also, the campus is not extremely big so it is not overwhelming.

Michael from Sellersville, PA

Drexel is an extremely safe school that is rated highly in the department of safety. I always feel safe as I walk through the campus and see a campus police member on every block.

Great for these types of students

For a student that likes to challenge themselves academically as well as enjoy life in the city.

What to do for fun

You can do anything! Truly, you're in the big city in Philadelphia. One can go into the city and visit many exquisite restaurants, there are parties nearly every weekend although I do not attend them, it is a great campus and is very fun to be on.

Food and Dining

I feel as though Drexel does not offer much for those who are vegetarians and that this is a problem that needs to be dealt with.

Dorm Life

The dorms at Drexel although small feel as though they are a community. My floormates and I enjoy many activities together and there are generally no fights between us.

Academic Rigor

Drexel is a tough school by any standard however for me I seem to get by without doing the optional homework and only with studying before exams.

Tips for prospective students

Do not depend solely on the dining plan, instead try to cook healthier alternatives that will keep you feeling better and keep you from getting sick. Truly focus on your studies at Drexel as that is the reason to go to college and those that party will not get by here.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a university that fosters itself to your needs whether they be academic, social, or physical. It is a school that builds upon the ideas of fraternity, community, and academic rigor. The students here at Drexel are some of the finest and it is a place that they have grown to become the fine people they are now.

David from North Wales, PA

I see lots of police patrolling with their bikes at night. It seems safe.

Greek Life

Not in any Greek Life, so I have no idea. Plus I'm a commuter.

Clubs and Activities

Formula SAE is a great club to join. I joined being a Freshman, but found out I could barely make it to the meeting days as I commute, and the workload was too much for me to handle all at once. I plan to officially join in my sophomore year.

Great for these types of students

Technology-interested, engineering, and.... rich.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There's a lounge people gather to play computer games and have LAN parties. I pass it on my way to my locker. I found it interesting that Drexel has these kinds of groups.

Bang for the buck

Don't take my rating here too seriously. I'm only a Freshman, and I don't know what's in store for me as of yet (as I'm not really taking classes or doing any projects related to my major). But being a freshman, the work seems unnecessary, as well as difficult. Sometimes, professors don't seem like they care as well. The co-op opportunity is also not as great as it sounds. Students must have strong background experience as well as a strong GPA to expect a good co-op. Other students struggle in their search for co-ops. I've heard many nightmare-stories relating to co-op job searches....

What to do for fun

Traveling to Center-City is fun, but gets boring after a while. I find going back home and doing personal things a lot more entertaining.

Food and Dining

It's difficult to eat healthy while going to college and commuting 45 minutes back home. While the food around here is good (at times), sometimes it just seems plain unhealthy (especially the food trucks). Watch what you eat, eat healthy, but enjoy yourself too.

Dorm Life

Being a commuter student, the dorm life doesn't seem too bad from what I've seen. Other school dorm lives seem a bit better however.

Academic Rigor

Could be a good thing or a bad thing... make sure you work hard (especially Engineering students). Tips for commuter students: expect your weeks to be filled with work with only a few hours of free-time.

Tips for prospective students

Engineering? Apply here. Work hard for that co-op opportunity.

In three sentences

A school for engineering-related students. Freshman year is extremely tough and work-intensive. Like always, there are the good professors and the bad; make good use of your time.

M

03/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Bang for the buck

Drexel is one of the most expensive schools in the US, and is not necessarily worth it. If a better and cheaper school accepts your or offers a full scholarship or something of that nature, you're probably better off going there. In the end, just look at your choices that you've been accepted in and determine which to choose from those. For me, Drexel offered me a partial scholarship and admittance to the Honors College. The other schools I were accepted into either were the same price but with NO scholarship, or were cheaper but didn't offer any particular benefits. The city environment also appealed to me, so in the end I chose Drexel.

What to do for fun

Drexel is right next to Center City Philadelphia, and provides shuttle service on weekdays into the city. There's plenty of fun and food to find in the City.

Food and Dining

The food isn't terrible and sometimes it is even good. There is only one dining hall/cafeteria. There are also a few cafes and fast food places around campus such as Taco Bell, Subway, sushi and a Starbucks that you can use your meal plan dollars on. Freshmen are required to get one of three meal plan choices. I highly recommend getting the LOWEST PRICED one, 12 meals a week, because it's almost guaranteed that you won't be able to use all of those meals every week. The meal plans are huge ripoffs and not worth it, so you might as well get the cheapest one you can.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is okay. There are many different dorm buildings and so it really depends on where you are and who lives with you. The dorms aren't the cleanest places but they're not filthy either. The school is in the process of building new housing because there are currently more students than the school can hold; many two-person rooms were converted into three person rooms.

Academic Rigor

There's a lot of work to do as with any college. Here, it's a bit more rushed since Drexel works on a quarter schedule, meaning 10-week terms. Academic classes usually have 2 midterms and a final exam, meaning after a few of weeks of learning you'll have midterm 1, then two weeks later you'll have midterm 2, then two weeks later you have your final exam. It can get pretty stressful if you have multiple exams going on at once, as well as English essays and such!

Tips for prospective students

Don't stress too much with your applications -- Drexel has students of all sorts, and by all sorts I mean not everyone here is the sharpest crayon in the box. Make your essay entertaining and interesting, visit the campus if you can (you'll be able to pick up a VIP application form which makes applying a bit easier/better for you), and if you apply through the CommonApp, don't forget to check the box that says you'd like to be considered to be part of the Honors College (if you'd be interested in such a thing)! There's a little bit of extra work involved, but being accepted into the Honors College comes with plenty of benefits such as priority housing, paid research program opportunities, and free printing! Also, take your AP classes while you can (such as English), it will save you a lot of trouble early on.

In three sentences

A decent school with decent academics. It's not a spectacular college by any means, but living here is interesting and it's a good example of college city life without as much rush. It's not the best school, but it's not too bad either.

James from Latham, NY

I have never felt unsafe on campus and there are always Drexel Police and Campus Safety officers patrolling nearly every area of campus.

Greek Life

Greek life is prosperous at Drexel University with twelve fraternities and six sororities. There are serious, active hazing prevention programs put in place by the university.

Clubs and Activities

There are hundreds of clubs and activities at Drexel University, and if you can't find what you're looking for, you often have the option of creating your own club.

Great for these types of students

Hard working, dedicated, goal-oriented.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Students will soon learn that Drexel Pizza makes good cheesesteaks but terrible pizza, and that Pete's Little Lunchbox is the best breakfast option on campus.

Bang for the buck

Although tuition is high, students acquire immense earning power as a result of their education at Drexel University.

What to do for fun

There is a very active Greek life at Drexel University, as well as countless intramural and club sports.

Food and Dining

The dining center tends to leave something to be desired, but the other vendors like Subway, Taco Bell, and Chick-Fil-A that accept dining dollars are nice additions to the dining plan.

Dorm Life

Dorm life at Drexel University is comfortable and reasonably priced.

Academic Rigor

The ten-week quarter system moves very quickly and it is easy to fall behind. It is imperative that students manage their time well and stay on top of assignments.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to work hard and manage your time well.

In three sentences

Drexel University is an excellent university dedicated to helping students succeed within their field. The co-op program is unmatched by any other school in the nation, and is invaluable to a student's success after college. Drexel University is located in a safe, prosperous area of Philadelphia.

Lily from Pottstown, PA

03/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Yes, the campus is notorious for being unsafe, but the Drexel Police are trained Philadelphia police and are either on patrol bikes or scattered around the campus at night. There are blue light systems in place all over campus and having their phone numbers stored in your phone is a great idea.

Greek Life

There are several sororities and fraternities on campus but it isn't such a huge thing as it is on larger campuses. They put on many events during the year that raise money for causes.

Clubs and Activities

There are many groups and clubs for students to join, but depending on your workload, whether or not you have a job, or other factors, you may not have the time for clubs, but being in one or two if you can really enhances your college experience.

Great for these types of students

If you don't keep up with your work and expect to be guided through the coursework, you'll have a hard time doing well in your courses.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Food trucks are scattered across campus, which is common for the city environment, but for those out-of-town they are a big hit and students on campus love them.

Bang for the buck

If you have the funds and the drive to do your work and work hard, then I highly recommend it. I am going here on scholarship and I have to maintain a certain GPA to keep the scholarship, so I have to be sure I do my best, but overall with the co-op option it's the best investment I'll ever make.

What to do for fun

Greek life is popular on campus, but it isn't for everyone. We have some sports teams, no football, but basketball is big here. The Recreation Center is a popular place to exercise and take classes, and there are soccer fields and volleyball courts to play on. The Campus Activities Board puts on many events during the year to get students involved and also to provide entertainment.

Food and Dining

I like the food at the Handschumacher Dining Hall, though others have differing opinions, but they offer many options for those with specific diets and try their best to accommodate everyone.

Dorm Life

Dorms are pretty nice overall, though I am moving off campus next semester to save money.

Academic Rigor

Very rigorous curriculum in all areas of study.

Tips for prospective students

Semesters are 10 weeks long, so be prepared for a lot of work to do over a short period of time. Breaks are not the same as other schools, but everything balances out in the end. Plus, you'll gain more credits and in a shorter period of time.

In three sentences

Fast-paced, engaging educational environment with a diverse and varied population of students. Challenging coursework and teachers help you to succeed and prepare for a career. The co-op program is unlike any other school's and with a co-op a job after graduation is practically guaranteed, which is very important in today's job market.

Max from Philadelphia, PA

03/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

we do live in the city so safety is always a concern, but drexel really does a great job making sure that there are tons of campus security on every block. i always feel safe no matter what time it is because there is always someone patroling the streets that i walk on.

Greek Life

greek life is awesome, i joined a sorority and it is the best decsion i have made since coming here. i reccomand that everyone rush's if choosing to come to drexel. it really is worth it and helps you meet tons of new people. i have met some of my closest friends through greek life.

Clubs and Activities

center city has tons of bars/clubs that are worth going to.

Bang for the buck

the food trucks on campus are amazing. you get an awesome diversity of different kinds of cuisines for extremely cheap.

What to do for fun

this city has tons to offer students. they're is so much history and things to see in the city of philadelphia. the night life is also great with tons to do.

Tips for prospective students

to succeed, you are going to have to work extremely hard, and it is a difficult transition from highschool/community college. be prepared to be academically challenged.

In three sentences

drexel is a outstanding school to get experience in the field you are planning on working in. it is extremely challenging, but their are many tools to help you succeed. the only down fall is the cost of attending this university.

Rosina from Springfield, PA

03/05/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

because we are located in philadelphia there are always incidents of crime. as long as you stay on campus you're completely safe. public safety is always patrolling day and night and they are located within each residence hall. once you get comfortable enough on campus you know you're limits when it comes to the side streets located around campus.

Great for these types of students

drexel is great for students that like things that are fast paced and that like change, because every 10 weeks you change classes. it's also great for students that want to be engineers because it is one of the top engineering schools in the country.

Bang for the buck

drexel is known as being one of the most expensive colleges and its true. but for the amount you pay, they truly do prepare you for the real world and getting a job, and that is what college is for. plus the co-op experience is something that is extremely valuable in this economy.

What to do for fun

you're located in university city so there is something always going on. also your a 20 minute subway ride away from temple university which always has good concerts and a 10 minute subway ride away from reading terminal market and chinatown. there's the drexel shuttle that runs from drexel's campus to center city all day so it's easy to catch the shuttle and then spend the day or night in center city exploring.

Food and Dining

there aren't many good places to eat with your dining dollars. the hans is our main dining hall and the food there isn't too good. also we have northside which is like a convenience store with subway, currito, and chick-fil-a. off campus there are a lot of really good places to eat such as savas which is about two blocks away from the residence halls and then penn's campus has a lot of good places to.

Dorm Life

during my freshmen year there was an overflow of students so i ended up in a tripled dorm. this didn't bother me too much but i know people who hate it. drexel's trying to solve the problem by building new dorms off of chestnut street so it shouldn't be an issue for much longer.

Academic Rigor

the material itself isn't too difficult depending on your major, it just goes by extremely fast. we have 10 week terms so by week 4 or 5 you are taking midterms and then week 8 and 9 you're taking midterms again and then week 11 is finals week.

Tips for prospective students

know what you want to do before you attend. your 101 and 102 classes jump right into the material and there's not a lot of general education classes to be taken your first year and depending on your program you can start your co-op sophomore year.

In three sentences

attending drexel has been one of the best decisions of my life. the city is amazing along with the academics, and it definitely prepares you for the real world. i would recommend it to anyone.

Electrical Engineer

02/06/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

there are cops and security guards, but the campus is still in west philly.

Greek Life

there are 12 fraternities and 6 sororities. in general, sororities here just terrible organizations. they are bad at management and organization. of the fraternities, stay away from the bigger ones if you want to get your moneys worth.

Clubs and Activities

the red tape makes running clubs difficult.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

there is no school spirit, so this does not really apply.

Bang for the buck

too expensive. if you do not get a scholarship of some substantial amount, look elsewhere.

What to do for fun

get off campus - there is no football team. go to phillies games, concerts, the philly auto show in the winter, and the beer festivals in the summer and fall.

Food and Dining

if you are a true drexel student, your diet consists mostly of food made in trucks. truck food is fantastic; anyone who says otherwise is ignorant. some of the trucks here include a thai specialty truck, halal trucks, crepe trucks, chinese trucks and american trucks. if you are looking for something more upscale, the 'nicer' places are on upenn's adjacent campus or in center city. don't just write off the stores in the ghetto though, you can get some great hoagies for $3.00.

Dorm Life

the dorms are brutal unless you live in race or north where the bathrooms are private.

Academic Rigor

the terms are 10 weeks long. that's 50% shorter than a typical college semester, so there is no time to screw around. midterms last from weeks 4-9, and finals begin soon after. there are no reading days. you get one monday off each term for various holidays. if you want to go to drexel and graduate with a 2.2 gpa, ignore all of this and party as you please. if you want to graduate at the top of your class and leave with a real education, you're going to have to stay in a few weekends. finally, if you are not excelling as a freshman, you might want to reconsider your major or college before it gets worse as a third-year student. if you are at the top, consider getting a bs/ms (simultaneous bachelor's and master's degrees). it's two degrees for the price of one!

Tips for prospective students

1. get out of the dorms when you become a sophomore and do not move in to university crossings. get a house, pay rent, and be an adult. 2. engineering majors: don't move in to the labs and don't play video games in there. it is annoying and you are taking up space. 3. you will be going to school during the summer.

In three sentences

drexel's co-op is the most valuable part of the experience. the administration and professors are terrible communicators and there is more red tape than you could believe. although you will get a good education if you actually pay attention and attend class, you should be prepared to get shafted.

it costs a pretty penny, but it's worth it. which is why i'm attempting to graduate from there.

What to do for fun

lol, run up and down the dorm hallway to take a break from midterm studies. go to the gym, there are tons of volunteer opportunity and off campus activities are numerous.

Food and Dining

drexel stepped up its dining hall and has numerous eateries on campus (chick-fil-a, subway, currito, starbucks, taco bell, etc) and there are thousands of places to eat that are within walking distance from campus, even in old city.

Dorm Life

the best thing about college besides graduating would be living in the dorms and residence halls with other students. you won't get along with everyone but the experience is an unforgettable one.

Academic Rigor

depending on your major, you can be buried in books once week 3 hits.

Tips for prospective students

bring a laptop lock and take showers regularly as you do not want to be a victim of theft or be the smelly roommate.

In three sentences

drexel is in the heart of philadelphia; there is not a more ideal place for a college campus. drexel has a smorgasbord of students from different countries, backgrounds, income levels and upbringings which creates an amazing environment to learn in. the teachers are amazing, you actually learn from the curriculum and there are endless opportunities at drexel.

alias

10 weeks are fast, a good thing. material comes on fast and does not let up. stay on top on your work - starting in week 1!

In three sentences

food: on 33rd & market - 'the crete guy'..... cart in front of the library. they are awesome. tech support: the irt center is very helpful with you computer... located in korman building. student organizations: get involved. if you're a math major or minor join the mso (math student organization). you'll make contacts for group studying & social events!

My from Philadelphia, PA

Drexel is very hard and intense and really push the students to attend classes.

Tips for prospective students

Drexel is very expensive and charge a lot for their tuition.

In three sentences

Drexel University is a very big school with lots of diverse cultures from the students. Their academic works are very intense. They also have a good program, called co-op, which let students go out in their field to work.

Michelle

Drexel has great programs for engineering students, business students, and nursing students.

Tips for prospective students

explore all your options, visit the campus, talk to current students.

Bang for the buck

It's definetly pricey, but if you know what you want to study, it's definetly worth the extra buck. The co-op program puts graduating students ahead of peers from other schools. Not only does the co-op program give students an edge in resumees but it also gives them a chance to experiance their career choice, and the opportunity to decide whether they want to stick with it or change majors.

Am enjoying being here

Like in any college you have to be open to new experiances and meeting new people. I love the atmosphere of the college, I love the location, and I love the people that go here. It's an amazing place to learn.

Am learning a lot

It depends on what major you're going for. Drexel has very good Engineering, Business, and Nursing programs. Most of the teachers are great and very knowledgable about their subjects. My tip would be to stay ahead. Don't slack off and put off work you can do today until tomorow, the work load WILL build up and it will be very stressful.

Lindsey from Atco, NJ

Great for anyone who wants to get experience working in their field. Drexel's Co-op program is great for getting hands on experience and making contacts outside of the university.

Tips for prospective students

Get ready for a fast paced environment. Classes here last 10 weeks instead of the typical 15.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is making a lot of improvements, but they won't be seen by current students. For all the money that you are paying the advisors should be more invested in the students. I've had a new advisor every year almost and when I did meet with my advisor she was on Facebook during our meeting. Still, there are a lot of great professors who really do care and that make class more than just another boring lecture.

Am enjoying being here

I love living in the city, but there isn't a lot to do right on Drexel's campus. You need to either go to UPenn's campus or to Center City or Olde City. I also wish there were more clubs and ways to get involved. But I do like the people I have met, and I really enjoy my classes.

Am learning a lot

Between classes and co-op I definitely feel like I am being prepared. The professors are friendly and there are a lot of projects and activities that make class exciting and engaging. You definitely don't feel like you are applying what you are learning.

Sydney from Jupiter, FL

12/19/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Drexel is a great place for someone who loves a city environment. I know the city isn't for everyone and that is okay. But I grew up in the suburbs of Florida and coming to Philadelphia was not a problem for me. I think it's exciting! There is always something to do and there is so much history in Philadelphia to learn about. I enjoy it very much and I don't want to leave! But that is definitely something that should be considered.

Tips for prospective students

Everyone is different. You will know what school you want to go to when you get there. When I toured the photography department at Drexel I just knew. I felt in my heart that this was exactly where I wanted to be. You'll just know. It's you're decision and it's so important so do you best when making it. Drexel is amazing and it's worth visiting at least.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is certainly an expensive school but it is so worth it. I know many Drexel grads who constantly tell me they do not regret a thing. I really don't think I could go anywhere else after coming here. I just wouldn't want to be anywhere else because I really feel like Drexel is the only place that will truly get me to where I want to be.

Am enjoying being here

I am currently a freshman in the Photography department at Drexel. I just love it. I am already taking classes in my major, which is unlike most other schools. Usually you have to take gen-ed classes before you even get to see the classes you really want. But everything I'm doing here I know for sure is preparing me in the best way for my future. Plus the Drexel has the co-op program unlike any other school and I cannot wait until I get to do mine because I think that will really give me a jump start in the real world and I trust it will actually bring me to my dream career! I feel like this place is really going to make everything I've wanted in the future a reality.

Am learning a lot

Drexel is a great place to be when it comes to learning. All the professors have a background in what they are teaching. They've actually experienced it themselves and that makes me trust what they are teaching to me even more because I know that they've experienced it first hand. They truly want the best for us and I'm only a freshman but I feel like I know so much more now than I did a few months ago! I know I have so much more to learn but I'm excited for it because I know Drexel covers all their bases when it comes to getting a good education.

Vicki from Philadelphia, PA

11/10/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Everyone, Drexel is really diverse.

Tips for prospective students

Depending on your major, there is going to be some amount of work, so be prepared for it. Get involved in the activities going on here (there are always activities). They are fun and are a great way to meet students. If you find that you are having a hard time, don't be afraid to talk to your teachers, they are very understanding. If you find it hard to study, the library is a great place. If you're dorming, the RAs are here to make sure you're alright, they are not your enemy. Also, treat them with respect, they have to do their job.

Bang for the buck

I feel like there could be some improvement, and it's hard to tell where my money is going. On a better note, this school is making a lot of improvements in facilities and I like to see that happening and to see how it will look in the future.

Am enjoying being here

I dorm here, and I have to say it is an awesome experience. There are many resources that are readily available, from the library to learning centers. There are many people here I know I can go to and am comfortable going to if I need help. Being in a city setting makes things interesting and there is always something to do. I also feel very safe on campus with the campus security and police everywhere. The people here are great and the staff is always nice.

Am learning a lot

I am a biology major, which is very extensive and I have heard it is going to get more difficult. With it being difficult, I feel like I am learning something useful in every class. With the college operating on a quarter system, there is a lot of information to take in in a small amount of time.

Bethany from Dallastown, PA

09/22/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Students interested in a career in Nursing, Engineering, Business, Design, and anything listed as a Major on Drexel's website will find their educational needs met - and more. Don't worry about making friends because it's incredibly easy with a crazy cultural mash-up of students from all over America and the world. You can be a hermit and stay in your dorm or you can be a social butterfly and roam about the city - either way, you'll fit in fine at Drexel.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus! You really won't know if this is the college for you until you set foot on the campus and immerse yourself in the experience. Drexel offers many opportunities for prospective students including portfolio building workshops and days specifically for students looking into starting their college career here or transferring. Make sure you contact Drexel and get a free pass to their dining center, where the food is made-to-order =)

Bang for the buck

Drexel is expensive, with tuition costing around $40,000/year - however, I've heard it referred to as a semi-Ivy League institution and the college certainly takes great lengths to assist their students in their education. Drexel goes above and beyond, attempting to help with the transition from college to a career by offering a co-op (in short, a paid internship) where you get to test out your career and very often get your foot in the door in your career.

Am enjoying being here

I absolutely love the city. The area Drexel is located in is very nice being right beside the University of Pennsylvania in the University City District of Philadelphia. There are tons of student clubs and organizations - no matter what interest you have, there's a club for you. And if there isn't, Drexel loves when students reach out the the University for support in creating new student organizations, so they'll back you up.

Am learning a lot

Like any college, you get as much out of the experience as you put into it. All of the Professors I've had have been willing to give me their attention and time if I seek it, and you are given plenty of opportunities to delve further into whatever you're learning about. Professors encourage you to take your learning into the city, especially to the many museums and cultural centers found in Philadelphia

Review all of the reviews from different sources before making you final decision. If you do decide to go through with an education here at Drexel, take advantage of all the things that you are paying for. This includes the activities at the recreational center, tutoring, etc. Make friends with people that are on the right track and keep up with your school work. Begin to study for exams the moment you learn new material because time slips right through your fingers more quickly than sand.

Bang for the buck

Drexel cost me a $31,000 dollar loan for ONE YEAR and that's after my scholarship and financial aid were taken into account(which together covered about $22,000). If you aren't rich, there is no reason to pay so much for an undergrad education. You will be in further debt than your Co-op opportunities could ever get you out of. The worst part is--when you realize this and decide to transfer, a majority of your credits wont. This means thousands of precious dollars washed down the drain.

Did enjoy being here

One of the good things I can say about Drexel is that the people are great. There are always activities going on throughout the school year. Things off campus are easily accessible via train and bus as well as a shuttle bus that takes you to Center city; a place with shopping stores and food places.

Did learn a lot

The fact that Drexel University is on a quarter system instead of a semester school like traditional colleges means that you have to learn at a fast pace. It depends on your learning style but it wasn't for me. It didn't help that some of my professors weren't the best either. Read student reviews for your professors at ratemyprofessor.com before scheduling your courses. If you dont, you might regret it.

Carolyn from Clay, NY

07/01/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Tips for prospective students

Take AP courses and do well on the tests at the end. It will lighten your load for the first year. First quarter you have 16 credits but the second and third you have 20 if you don't get some out of the way before hand.

Bang for the buck

Drexel is pretty expensive, but the co-ops will make it all worth it. Most students will have a year and a half of work experience under their belts before graduating. Some co-ops even offer to hire after graduation.

Am enjoying being here

Because Drexel is in the middle of Philadelphia, there is never a dull moment. There are many museums within walking distance and there is always something going on on campus. Being home for the summer, I miss all there was to do there.

Am learning a lot

Drexel is very hands-on. After my freshman year, I already have a engineering project to put on my resume. We completed four engineering modules just in the first three terms. Drexel is fast paced, but a lot of valuable information is taught within the ten week terms.

Michaela from Downingtown, PA

06/08/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Drexel is great for those individuals who are willing to work hard. You really have to be a self-motivated and independent student to keep up with the work. The five-year program is fantastic for those individuals who would like to gain experience in the workplace before graduation.

Tips for prospective students

Keep up with your work. There is literally no way to catch up if you fall behind. Unlike in a normal semester at most universities, everything counts, and getting a low score on just one (seemingly) small exam or paper really hurts your final grade. Take advantage of the Pennoni Honors College. You automatically submit an application to the Honors College when you apply to Drexel, and if you’re accepted, don’t hesitate to enroll. The Honors College offers different and interesting classes and really gives you an edge when you’re applying to co-ops. Get to know your professors, either through office hours or after class. Classes are generally relatively small (about thirty students in LeBow and COAS), although not small enough that your professor will automatically know who you are. As a freshman and sophomore, I assumed that because I did well, I didn’t have to interact with my professors. I now realize what I lost in my first two years. Professors are great for networking and can provide recommendations later in your college career. Take a class during co-op. You’re allowed to take up to four credits during co-op without being charged, and it can really help boost your GPA or allow you to lighten your workload for another term. Don’t skip classes! Although it’s tempting, because a lot of professors don’t require you to sign in, it’s often hard to catch up on that lost time. Schedule your classes for when you’ll be most motivated to go; a lot of students like morning classes, while others like afternoon or even night classes. Figure out what works best for you.

Bang for the buck

Ultimately, Drexel is a great investment. It is, however, an extremely expensive school. Don’t be afraid to save some money and commute if you live nearby. The co-op program is also fantastic. Paid co-ops can really help pay the bills and can be an invaluable learning experience, if you work with the right company. Drexel is also big on scholarships; the vast majority of students do not pay the listed tuition price. Don’t be afraid to apply just because it seems beyond your price range.

Am enjoying being here

Although I commute to campus, Drexel makes itself very accessible for commuter students. I have never felt unsafe on campus, although it is always necessary to be aware of your surroundings when you’re in a large city like Philly. For those who want to get involved, there are a number of diverse organizations on campus.

Am learning a lot

Expect to work extremely hard if you want to do well! The workload is heavy if you take the maximum number of credit hours, but it’s definitely do-able and entirely worth the time and effort. The diversity of the university is also a bonus. As a student in the College of Arts and Sciences, I have taken a number of classes in the LeBow College of Business. The quarter system also tends to be extremely intense. It’s not uncommon to have a large test or paper due in each class every other week at Drexel. Oftentimes, these exams and papers are not staggered, but fall on the same week or even day. There a ton of fantastic professors on campus, who are ready and willing to challenge you, although there are certainly those who rely entirely on their TAs and don’t answer your emails, just like at any school. My experience with my advisor, however, has been nothing but positive. Drexel is also great for career development. The SCDC and your co-op advisor are great resources if you chose to do co-op. Writing resumes and cover letters and interviewing becomes second-nature, which gives you an advantage over other graduates.

Nicole from Redmond, WA

Students who love big schools will love Drexel. It's in the city, so there's a lot to see and do.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you really want to go to this school because it's really expensive. If you're unsure, this is probably not the place you should be.

Bang for the buck

Way too expensive for it's own good.

Did enjoy being here

Loved the people and the environment.

Did learn a lot

I learned a lot of stuff that I didn't feel was important to my education. The major I was in was very biased as to what they thought their students should be doing and left no real option open to those that wanted to do something different with it.

Anand from Bloomfield, NJ

It's a great college for everyone! Drexel has every type of student to the nerd who plays CoD to an enthusiastic dancer to an average student. Everyone at Drexel is different from one and another.

Tips for prospective students

Don't give up! No matter how much senioritis hits you, don't stop trying in school. Students at Drexel are known to be intelligent and have an average gpa of 3.5. That's an average, meaning there are people with higher and lower gpa's than that. The admissions office is able to superscore your SAT's so that's good! Although, definitely make time to visit the campus or visit for an open house. You will learn a lot by actually being there than researching.

Bang for the buck

Not having to worry about money, I would say 31k+ is a fair amount. If you live in the state, obviously there is a discount.

Will enjoy being here

Drexel is in Philadelphia. Philly is one of the most ideal college cities in the nation and I loved visiting it. Philly reminds me of a cleaner and less populated NYC so it's definitely a town I'm looking at. The campus is modern and whatever people say, the buildings DO NOT look like dungeons. Also, there is a student recreation center, hotlines for help, and so much more. I doubt anyone would get bored at Drexel.

Will learn a lot

After the months of research I've done about Drexel, I knew it was going to be an amazing school. Once I visited campus, I was sure about that! The professors are required 2 hours of open office every week and there is tutoring in every subject in the library and math centers. With all the surveys I've done with talking to the students, it seems that the professors are always there to help AND encourage their students to take on extra help when there's struggle. Even if it's just a bump on the road, it can go downhill.

Wesley from Montara, CA

Anyone who wants to gain experience in their industry of choice before graduating, and doesn't mind a 5-year degree.

Tips for prospective students

File FAFSA in January, and you will automatically get $1000 in aid from Drexel.

Bang for the buck

Ungodly expensive. The Co-Op program looked excellent, and it was what drew me to the school, but if you are from out of state you better be rich.

Did enjoy being here

The campus is absolutely wonderful, and the student life is very active, especially at the frats. Though I had to leave, I would say that the people there were some of the nicest I've ever met. The way they handle the class schedules makes it very easy to get a lot of non-school activities into your day.

Did learn a lot

The teachers there are all very passionate, and make themselves available to students who are proactive about their studies. The labs are generally very helpful, and most teachers will help you out after class if they have time.

Niraj from Avenel, NJ

Drexel welcomes almost anyone of any major as long as Drexel offers it. Most of the students on campus are usually engineers such as me (Biomedical Engineering) or business.

Tips for prospective students

Here are a couple of tips if you are planning on coming to drexel - Go out the first few days before classes start as once classes start, it will be hard to meet new people. - Avoid the library, although this sounds shocking, usually everyone goes to the library to study and Drexel's library is not one of the biggest out there so it is easy to get distracted by others - GO TO CLASS, often times, students skip because professors do not take attendance, but those professors usually give out a few answers to their exams in class. In addition, you are paying to go to class so you might as well go and learn something!! -Keep up with the readings: We run on a quarter system and it is easy to fall behind if you do not do the homework or read the chapter before coming to class. By doing the readings and homework, you can bet to do well on exams

Bang for the buck

Drexel's price tag is pretty hefty on the wallet. First year is usually the most expensive as there are doming and meal plan costs. If you are a student who has co-op in the second year, you can usually save the money you make during that time to pay for the next year.

Am enjoying being here

Drexel's campus may not be one of the nicest but the social life is definitely amazing. Everyone is friendly and if you are a shy person like me, you definitely will not have a hard time fitting in because everyone is just friendly and it is easy to make friends. In addition, there is plenty to do off campus, with a short bus ride, you can roam around in center city and spend hours either walking or shopping. It's definitely a fun place to be.

Am learning a lot

Drexel is quite different from other schools in the sense that it runs on quarter systems, which means shorter time period for classes but the amount of work is doubled. Schools that run on quarter systems usually have only 11 weeks of classes with finals in week 11. One thing to know about the quarter system is after the second term, you will basically be a busy bee as there are mid-terms usually in weeks 3, 5, 7. These are usually better than mid terms at other schools as you have less material to usually know for the mid-term at Drexel. Overall, expect to learn A LOT at Drexel.

Biggest tip for Math/Physics/Engineering majors - cramster.com. LIFESAVER. It shows you steps and solutions to solving problems. Just look up your textbook and it gives you the odds. Also try to take breaks in between studying (go to the gym, play sports, video games, anything that can get your mind off of school for a little).

Bang for the buck

I would have to say that Drexel is definitely worth the money. The education, experience, and professionalism that you gain from this school far outweighs the cost. For my first year at Drexel I really felt like I gained so much in such a short amount of time. I acquired 57.5 credits in my first 3 quarters I was there! Just in case you're wandering, an average student takes about 12 to 15 credits a semester. After my summer break I was able to find a co-op position with an engineering firm in Philly for the fall and winter quarters. I was able to accomplish that because of the resources Drexel’s Steinbreight Career Development Center provided for me. They really teach you the professionalism needed to work in the corporate world. I am currently four weeks away from completing my first co-op.

Am enjoying being here

I have completed my first year and am half way through my second year and so far I love it here. Drexel's campus not only has so much to offer but the city of Philadelphia was also a huge plus for me when I was deciding on what colleges to go to. Drexel can be fun on campus or off campus. For being off campus it is a subway/taxi (whichever you choose) ride away from center city (shopping, restaurants, events, parades), the sports complexes in south Philly (Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers), and I have the versatility to occasionally visit some friends at Temple and UPenn. Being on campus can be a lot of fun as well. I do club and intramural sports to stay fit. I did flag football during the fall term and am also on the Drexel Volleyball Club. One thing I take advantage of at Drexel is its gym. Drexel’s gym contains two floors of lifting weights, treadmills, bikes, and other fitness machines. It also has an indoor track on the top floor, squash courts on the first and basement floors, and a basketball court on the second floor. I enjoy being at the gym in my free time to get my mind off of all the studying during the school year.

Am learning a lot

I came into my first year of Drexel not knowing what to expect. Seeing the types of classes I was going to be taking really scared me. As I proceeded with my classes though, I had to greatly adapt my way studying and doing homework so I could be more comfortable with the difficulty and timing of these classes. The most important thing I learned so far from Drexel is time management and working and studying outside of the classroom. Time management is important because being able to balance all of your courses and still having a social life is a must for college. Working and studying outside of the classroom is also very important in college. In high school, I rarely studied and often times put homework aside until later. In college, I found out that doesn't work. I found it necessary for me to read the textbook to keep up with the professor in lectures. Working out the examples given in the textbooks and actually doing optional homework was a huge change for me and helped me grow to be a better student.

Black girl from CT

02/23/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 out of 9 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Engineers and business students. Although Engineers will work their butts off and business majors will party all the time. But it really is a great school for these two majors and the co-op are great experience.

Tips for prospective students

It is shocking how fast 10 weeks goes by. I know everyone says that but you will see when you get there. DO NOT buy books in the book store, it is ridiculously expensive. Order them online. It's ok if you don't have your books for the first week or so. Also, try to live off campus after your first year. It's cheaper and you don;t have to deal with the University Housing office. They're annoying. Some teachers are really annoying, you should look them up before you choose a class but if you have no choice but to take that teacher, I would seriously consider putting it off for a term, you don't HAVE to take that class then. It's just a suggestion. Take something fun that you will actually enjoy, like a language. TRUST ME I have had experience with bad teachers.

Bang for the buck

You do learn a lot and if you go to all the free events I guess you do get bang for your buck but it's still madd expensive.

Am enjoying being here

No doubt it's a good school and you will definitely meet a lot of new and interesting people but after a while you kind of get sick of all the BS. It can get frustrating; Drexel really doesn't care about you. But then again, with that and co-op, Drexel really is preparing you for life. Also, the dining hall sucks. You will have diarrhea at some point in your freshman year. Probably once a term.

Am learning a lot

Yes you learn a lot. Sometimes more than you wanted to, but you find out quickly what to take seriously and what you can slack off on.

Catherine from Reading, PA

12/30/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

23 out of 23 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Dedicated to a specific major or career Intelligent with a thirst for challenge Motivated to study when there are events occurring all the time City dwelling, or at least open to the idea Independent and confident enough to navigate the city on your own Enjoys the seasons as Winter is quite cold, and Summer is quite hot Interested in technology

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you go for a visit and take full advantage of your day there. Try to contact a current student to show you around one on one. A group tour might be ok if you want to see the campus, but not if you want to try to get to know the campus. Plus, a student will be able to give you a more personal insight into their experiences. With all of that in mind, be aware that the way Drexel operates is in terms or a quarter system. The average college has two semesters of around 14 or 16 weeks and a summer break. Drexel's freshman year consists of three 10 week terms equal to that of a semester and summer term off. The credits you earn on the quarter system are sometimes looked as unequal to those on a semester system by other colleges, so if you ever want to transfer it might be very difficult to do. The workload is very intense being 10 weeks as opposed to 16. Also, Drexel starts and ends later than most colleges. Drexel begins Fall term near the end of September, and Spring term ends around the second week of June, much like most high schools. Good luck on your searching!

Bang for the buck

Drexel is extremely expensive, especially freshman year. On-campus housing is around 1k a month so make sure you remember to find a cheap apartment for the following years! It's very possible, and Drexel even has an off campus housing site that allows land lords to post nearby apartments. The meal plans are also very expensive but avoidable in the following years. Now, even though it is so expensive, I still give it 4 stars. The co-op program is what makes everything worthwhile. I went for engineering which has 5 year, 3 co-op program. This option spreads out the cost of attending for 4 years over 5 years which decreases the annual cost. You'll also gain a year and a half of experience in your chosen major before you graduate as well as get paid for your work (usually). Not all majors have this option, and I would recommend that you know FOR SURE that the major you chose is the major you want and the job field you want to be working in the rest of your life otherwise it is NOT worth it.

Am enjoying being here

Philadelphia is a great city to live in. There is always something to do, so the usual college seen is very easy to avoid. Of course there are still parties, but much less than at other schools I've visited. The Philadelphia Museum of Art (the steps Rocky ran up) is at a walkable distance, and the Zoo is also nearby. There are also plenty of concert venues I take full advantage of, cute shops in Olde City, a few parks here and there, and many historical sites like the Liberty Bell. You can't forget about the food either. Many 5 star restaurants are in the area including decadent sushi to French food along with the famous Philly cheesesteak hoggie shops and pizza from the Italian market. You can also always find a cozy coffee shop nearby, Starbucks or not. The campus life is not all bad, but I chose to explore the city instead of explore campus life so I don't have a whole lot of insight into that. There is Greek life to a small extent. I have a few friends in Lambda Chi Alpha and Delta Zeta and they enjoy themselves. The only reason I gave this 3 stars is because of all the academic stress I was put under as an engineering major freshman year. I stayed in my dorm room studying so much I didn't get to go out very often. I am trying to transfer to a difference school because I do not like being at Drexel with everything taken into account, but I adore the city and it is something a lot of people love too so I'm counting more of the city aspect of my enjoyment being here but I can't rule out the academic part entirely.

Am learning a lot

It's hard to learn a lot in the atmosphere Drexel provides. The classes are very large coming from an engineering major. I struggled to get the kind of grades I was used to in high school because it was so easy to skip class or not care about the work. My roommate freshman year, however was an architecture major with around 33 people in that major. She did very well. My roommate now is a graphic design major with around 28 people in that and she does extremely well too. I think it really depends on the major you choose and how much the classes interest you to affect how well you do and how much you learn. All of the engineering majors are basically thrown into all of the same required classes freshman year (which are pretty much just math), so it's really hard to have any personal connection with any of the professors and really learn the material like you might want.

Austin from Florham Park, NJ

Look for things to do that are not inside the campus. You want to fill your four years with as much fun as possible!

Bang for the buck

The dorms are air-conditioned, the food is delicious, and the school is all around amazing! The fitness rooms/gym is high tech; the pool is large; and there are a lot of activities that you can sign up for. Its definitely worth the tuition!

Will enjoy being here

The university is in the middle of one of the best and most historical cities of the nation. You are never going to be confined to the campus! You can walk next door and find dozens of restaurants!

Will learn a lot

The classrooms are small which is great because it will be more hands on experiences! The teachers are really relaxed and want you to learn in the best way possible. You will never be just another student at that university

DragonFrosh

Drexel is great for self-motivated and hard working students. Otherwise you will find when you enter your first term that no one is forcing you to go to class or to study and you will not do well.

Tips for prospective students

Visit. Always visit a campus before you decide if you want to apply or attend that school. Also, don't just talk to your tour guide when you tour. They are going to tell you all the good things about a school. Always try to go during a time when there will be students on campus so that you can ask other students what it is like to go there, pros and cons etc. Also, expand your horizons from schools that are right around the corner from your house. Independence starts now, don't put it off.

Bang for the buck

I have not yet had my first co-op so I do not know if it really is worth the cost of going here. In theory since all career fields put an emphasis on experience in conjunction with a degree the co-op and fast paced curriculum should give you an edge above others in the real world.

Am enjoying being here

I am enjoying city life because there is always something to do on or around campus. Also I went to a college very far away from home so I started completely over when I started college. However, at the same time with so much going on it's hard to stay focused on school.

Am learning a lot

I am learning a lot about time management and balancing the different aspects of college life. Because you only have ten weeks to learn all of the material and at the same time you have all the clubs and organizations you might be a part of. What I enjoy is that I had a major class my first term here instead of all general education classes. Not only am I learning in the classroom but I am learning networking and other useful skills also.

Haley from Gainesville, FL

Philadelphia is a bustling and exciting city, and Drexel's campus very much matches this. If you are an outgoing and fun-loving person who thrives in a fast-paced environment, you will love Drexel.

Tips for prospective students

Prepare yourself for becoming independent. Steady yourself before coming to school by preparing for the daily life activities that you never think about. For example: grocery shopping, laundry, and sweeping the floor. The transition from high school to college is difficult, but what's more difficult is your transition from a child to an adult. Make sure that you are ready for the commitment of a lifetime and you will thrive in ANY college environment! :)

Bang for the buck

It is obvious to all that apply that Drexel University is a highly expensive school. However, if you are coming to Drexel for something you truly love, you will never spend your money on anything more important than your education. The Music Industry program here at Drexel (which I am enrolled in) is top notch, and the Co-Ops for all the majors here are some of the best in the country. Drexel has such a high reputation that over the summer while in LA I met a promotions manager for Columbia Records and upon hearing that I was attending Drexel she immediately gave me her card and asked me to contact her when I needed a co-op. You can not find prestige like this at any random college. Though Drexel is expensive, if you are truly dedicated to the work you will be doing here, it will be money well-spent.

Am enjoying being here

I have been living in Philadelphia for a month now and let me tell you what a crazy change it was. Moving up north from a somewhat small (compared to Philly) town in Florida was a huge change for me. Most students attending Drexel come from nearby areas, so I was afraid I would be completely lost moving so far from home. I feel that it only took me about a week to become adjusted to my new life up here. Though I do miss my family, friends, and home, the Drexel and Philadelphia environment is so welcoming that sometimes I'll go a week without feeling even the slightest bit of homesickness. The friends I have made here are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I feel very lucky to have found such incredible people to spend my free time with. There's always something to do in Philadelphia... cheap food, cheap shopping, and so many historical sites to visit. One of the best things about Drexel is the Cultural Passport that it gives freshman which gives you free or highly discounted entry into all of the historical landmarks and museums like the Eastern State Penitentiary and the Philadelphia Zoo! You will never be bored here.

Am learning a lot

No matter what major you are thinking of attending Drexel for, it is guaranteed that you will learn a lot. The quarter system allows you to take more classes every year, and though the work is condensed into a 10-week period, it is both manageable and more time effective. The teachers truly care about the students and they really know what they're talking about. Though everyone knows Drexel as an excellent engineering school, most people don't know that all of Drexel's other programs are just as incredible. Fashion Design and Music Inudstry, among all of the other majors in the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, are taught by teachers who have the experience and the knowledge to back what they are saying. The nursing college is fantastic, as are all of the programs offered here at Drexel University.

DragonLove from Philadelphia, PA

08/16/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

59 out of 63 people found this review useful.
1 person found this inaccurate.
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Great for these types of students

Drexel welcomes a different type of student from most other universities. Just like everyone else, we want the dedicated, motivated, intelligent student who will make us look good. However, we look beyond that. Our students are willing to give up their summers after freshman year to either study or work at a co-op. Also, most of our students choose to graduate in five years instead of four, in order to complete three co-ops.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely visit Drexel if it's a possibility. Honestly, it is the only real way you'll know if the school is right for you. If you visit, and you happen to like it, fill out an application, since the fee will be waived. If you can't make it to Philly, apply online since Drexel will waive the charge.

Bang for the buck

Drexel isn't the cheapest of schools. The education is on par with that of NYU, George Washington University, and the like in my opinion. However, you get the co-op experience at Drexel, which cannot be found anywhere else. I think the co-op opportunity in itself is worth Drexel's tuition, not to mention being taught by awesome professors and living in the birthplace of our nation.

Am enjoying being here

Right now, I am on summer vacation. I cannot wait to go back to Drexel in September. Drexel's campus is filled with fun clubs, organizations, and there's always something to do. If you tire of being on campus, the heart and soul of Philadelphia, Center City, is a short, (free) shuttle ride away.

Am learning a lot

Going into Drexel, I expected to get my degree without working too hard to get it. Let me tell you after a year of experience, that will NOT be the case if you come to school here! Regardless of your major, you will study and learn a lot! We're on a ten week quarter system so our classes are very fast-paced, but still manageable.

RD from PA

Great for students that are into emerging eco-friendly careers, engineering, or media arts.

Tips for prospective students

Get out and explore! One of my biggest regrets is not having explored Philly a bit more while it's nice out. There are so many fun and quarky shops and restaurants to enjoy. Get out and see Philly!

Bang for the buck

The co-op is by far the best part of the Drexel experience. I came here based mainly on that. I wish I didn't have to pay tuition while on co-op but that's not optional. Let's be honest here though: Drexel is expensive but I like to think that I made the right decision that will take me far in my career.

Am enjoying being here

I love being in city! There's so much to do and never a dull moment. I've made some really great friends and honestly started having fun here from orientation on.

Am learning a lot

My high school seriously prepared me well for the Freshman required general courses. I'm learning a lot from Drexel in my major though.

Megan from Lester, PA

07/30/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

26 out of 27 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Hard-working, self-motivated, involved, those who like a challenge, leaders, those who like the city, and those who want to learn the most they can so they can go out in the working world and be successful.

Tips for prospective students

In high school, work hard and get involved. Drexel University is looking for students with good grades and those that take leadership roles. If you get accepted into Drexel, I suggest to take advantage of the 5 year program, which gives you the most working experience. If you are stressed out about the price of the school and you live within commuting distance, don't be afraid to commute. I am a commuter and I feel that I still get the college experience while saving a lot of money.

Bang for the buck

The reason I give Drexel five stars in this category is that it offers the Co-Op program. It's an opportunity anyone should took take advantage of. It enables you to get yourself into the working world and helps you to boost your resume. Students can work with top companies in different parts of the world as well as here in the U.S.

Am enjoying being here

There are more than 250 organizations you can join at Drexel University, there are many different sports you can get involved in, it's located in one of the biggest cities (Philadelphia) with much to see and do, and, most importantly, there are new people to meet from different parts of the world.

Am learning a lot

I have just finished my first year at Drexel and I already feel like I am learning a lot. The classes are challenging, but the professors are extremely helpful. For example, I took AP Calculus at my high school and did okay, but I didn't feel I was learning much. I was confused and stressed. At Drexel, I took a math class which covered everything I had done in my AP Calculus class already, but this time around I felt so much more confident.

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